It is a fitting name for the day as we remember the dramatic procession of Jesus and His disciples down the steep and winding road from the Mount of Olives, across the Kidron Valley, and up through the city gates into Jerusalem. Jesus took the form of a victorious ruler, mounted, not on a horse of war, but on a donkey, the sign of peace. The people rose spontaneously to cheer Him as their liberating leader. After three years, they believed Jesus was coming to claim His crown as the true King of the Jews. Little did they realise the significance of the occasion.
Palm Sunday is an important part of the Lenten season. However, this can cause issues for Baptists because there is no mention of the season in our Scriptures. Lent began in the early Christian church (2nd-4th centuries) as a time of preparation for Easter, lasting 40 days to imitate Jesus’s fasting in the desert. It was formalised in 325 and developed from shorter pre-Easter fasts into a 40-day period of prayer, contemplation, and fasting.
So where do Baptists stand on this? Recently, we’ve seen more Baptists taking part in Lent. While our participation might not be as formal or ceremonial as that of established churches, it can help us stay mindful when Easter suddenly appears on our calendars. The busyness of life and holiday planning can make the true meaning of Easter slip a little.
I’ve been enjoying a series of readings from C. S. Lewis as I prepare for Easter. Paired with relevant Bible passages, it has encouraged me to slow down a little and gain a better understanding of what may have been in Jesus’ mind during that week in Jerusalem. I admit I would have been just like everyone else in Jerusalem — praising Him one moment, frightened and condemning Him the next. But I thank Him for seeing it through to the end and the glorious resurrection, which offers us the opportunity to be called “children of God.”
May Easter not catch you unawares. I suggest you take some time each day this week to meet quietly and
respectfully with your LORD and Saviour.
Bob
*Preparing for Easter: 50 devotional readings from C S Lewis. $22.99 at Koorong.
Recent Comments