A Glimpse of Glory: Reflections on Palm Sunday

April 18th, 2025

As we approach Easter, our thoughts turn to Palm Sunday―that pivotal moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem amidst shouts of "Hosanna!" and waving palm branches. But have you ever considered Palm Sunday as a final, brilliant flash of Christ's glory before the darkness of the cross? Like the dazzling "diamond ring" effect seen in the seconds before a total solar eclipse, Palm Sunday offers us one last radiant glimpse of Jesus in all His majesty before the shadow of Calvary falls.

This moment isn't just about pageantry; it's a call for us to recognize Jesus in three crucial roles: as our King, our Prophet, and our Priest. And as we do, we're challenged to examine our own hearts and allegiances.

Jesus as King: Where Does Our Ultimate Loyalty Lie?

The triumphal entry into Jerusalem fulfilled ancient prophecies about the coming Messiah. The crowds welcomed Jesus as a king, spreading their cloaks on the road and shouting praises. Yet their understanding was limited―they expected an earthly ruler to overthrow Roman oppression. They missed the deeper truth―that Jesus had come to liberate them from an even greater bondage: sin and death itself.

This misunderstanding is addressed in a parable Jesus told just before His triumphal entry (Luke 19:11–27). In it, a nobleman goes away to receive a kingdom, leaving his servants with resources to manage. Some invest wisely, others squander the opportunity, and some outright reject his authority. The parable ends with stark consequences for those who refused to acknowledge the returning king.

The message is clear: God's kingdom operates differently than earthly realms. It's not about political power or material wealth. As the Apostle Paul would later write, "The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). We enter and expand this kingdom not through force or political maneuvering, but by embodying kingdom values like those outlined in the Beatitudes―meekness, mercy, peacemaking, purity of heart.

Ask yourself: Do I truly recognize Jesus as my King? Does He have my ultimate loyalty?

It's easy to say we follow Christ, but our actions often reveal divided allegiances. We may wave metaphorical palm branches on Sunday, only to bow to other "kings"―money, status, comfort―the rest of the week. Are we giving Jesus our full allegiance, or holding parts of ourselves back?

Jesus as Prophet: Entrusting Him with Our Future

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, His mood shifted dramatically. While the crowds rejoiced, He wept over the city. With piercing foresight, He prophesied its coming destruction:

"The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." (Luke 19:43–44)

This wasn't a vague, far-off prediction. Within a generation, these words would be fulfilled with horrifying accuracy. In 70 AD, the Roman army, led by Titus, laid siege to Jerusalem. The resulting devastation was catastrophic, with an estimated one million Jews killed and the temple utterly destroyed.

Jesus's tears reveal His deep compassion, even for those who would reject Him. It's a sobering reminder that our choices have consequences, both in this life and eternally.

Ask yourself: Am I giving Jesus my future by surrendering my present to Him? Am I truly listening? Am I shaping my present choices and priorities in light of what He has revealed about the future?

To ignore Christ's prophetic words is to risk repeating the tragic mistake of Jerusalem. They missed their "time of visitation" because they were too caught up in their own agendas and expectations. May we have eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit is saying, lest we too find ourselves unprepared for God's coming.

Jesus as Priest: Offering Him Our Hearts

Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus' first act was to go straight to the temple. There, He drove out those who were using God's house for personal profit, declaring, "My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers" (Luke 19:46).

This scene is rich with symbolism. Throughout Scripture, we see God's desire to dwell with His people―from the Garden of Eden to the tabernacle in the wilderness, to the grand temple in Jerusalem. But time and again, human sin creates a barrier.

Jesus's cleansing of the temple foreshadows a greater truth. In Him, God was once again drawing near to humanity. As the book of Hebrews puts it, Jesus is "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" (Hebrews 1:3). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus would become our great High Priest, making a way for us to approach God directly.

And here's the astounding part: because of Christ's work, we ourselves have become temples of the Holy Spirit. God now chooses to dwell within the hearts of His people. This incredible privilege comes with a responsibility, however. Just as Jesus cleansed the physical temple, He wants to purify our hearts.

Ask yourself: Are there areas of my life that have become cluttered with worldly pursuits, robbing God of the worship He deserves? Am I allowing Christ, my High Priest, to drive out whatever dishonors His presence within me?

The good news is that Jesus cleanses gently, even as He cleanses thoroughly. As the book of Hebrews reminds us, we have a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way just as we are. We can confidently approach His throne of grace, knowing we'll find mercy and help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:14–16).

A Final Glimpse Before the Cross

Palm Sunday is a vivid reminder of who Jesus truly is―our rightful King, our infallible Prophet, our compassionate High Priest. Like that final flash of brilliance before a solar eclipse, it offers us one last, unobstructed view of Christ's glory before the cross.

For those who have never truly surrendered to Christ, Palm Sunday issues an urgent call. The invitation is clear: Look to the Son and live! Open your eyes to see Him as He truly is.

Don't let familiarity or skepticism blind you to His majesty. Don't let the cares of this world eclipse His light in your life. Remember, the same crowds who welcomed Jesus on Sunday were calling for His crucifixion by Friday. Don't make the same tragic mistake of missing who He really is and what He offers you.

For those who already follow Jesus, reflect on the deeper meaning of Palm Sunday and ask yourself:

Is Christ truly enthroned as King in every area of my life?
Am I actively listening for and obeying His prophetic voice?
Am I allowing Him, as my High Priest, to cleanse the temple of my heart?

Welcome Christ afresh―as your King, your Prophet, and your Priest. In doing so, you find not just life, but life abundant―a life infused with the very glory of God Himself.

Author Bio:
Pastor Draa Mackey has served as the senior pastor at Bayshore Baptist Church in Lincolnville, Maine, since 2018. Draa and his wife, Joanna, have been married for almost seven years and have a five-year-old son, Kirk, and a one-year-old daughter, Hazel. They love traveling, hiking, distance running (Draa is an ultra-marathoner!), and serving the Lord in their community. To learn more about Draa and the ministry at Bayshore Baptist Church, click HERE.

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