Cosmic Connections // Luke 19:38

Today is Palm Sunday, the day we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This is the day we remember how Christ was met with cheers in the Holy City, but those would turn to jeers in just a few short days.

Today’s verse connects Jesus’ arrival In Jerusalem with what was happening in heaven. He arrived in God’s name, bringing peace and a physical representation of God’s presence (remember, that’s the meaning of glory). The words that Luke uses to announce Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem echo the words he used to announce Jesus’ arrival to earth. We read in Luke 2:13-14 that when Jesus was born, heaven split open so the angels could bring the cosmic birth announcement, “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” This is not by accident. Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem was the purpose of His entry into our world. There He would face suffering, betrayal, and death, but for the sake of ushering in salvation. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom as Jesus died, removing the barrier between God’s presence and God’s people (Matthew 27:51). These cosmic connections remind us of the WHY of Jesus’ mission, “to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

I hope you keep all of these close and ponder them in your heart as you see children waving palm branches and we all shout “Hosannah” like the people did on that epic Palm Sunday. Hosannah was their cry for Jesus to “save us now,” and I hope it is your cry as well. Have a great Palm Sunday as we enter this Holy Week…may it leave us all changed in the name and peace of God.