Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is usually a holiday that gets overshadowed by Easter for me. This year, having been to Jerusalem last year, the day has much greater significance. These pictures are from mom and I walking the "Palm Sunday Road" where Jesus triumphantly entered into Jerusalem- with the view he had from the Mount of Olives leading into Jerusalem. Sorry they are microscopic- I'm going through a computer transition and they are all I could do from snapfish.

As he rode in majestically I love what he said when the Pharisees tried to silence the crowds, "If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!" The work of God cannot be stopped.

Jesus entered Jerusalem knowing what would take place. As He approached Jerusalem he said, "I wish that even today you would find the way of peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from you. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you. They will crush you to the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you have rejected the opportunity God offered you."

Jesus' words came to fruition shortly thereafter when the temple was destroyed in 70AD. Today the Western Wall, which is part of the western retaining wall of the temple mount, is the only remnant of the Temple from the days of Christ. The Foundation Stone, which is where the Dome of the Rock (one of the holiest sites for Muslims) stands now, is also believed by many to be the spot of the Holy of holies from the Temple. Hence the tension between the Muslims and Jews for access to this site.

Here are Mark Beeson's (senior pastor at Granger Community Church) words on this day:

"On the day Christians celebrate the Prince of Peace riding into Jerusalem, North Korea does a product demonstration for potential buyers of nuclear weapon delivery systems - with free advertising from the American Press. This week, the cover of Newsweek magazine proclaims - in the bold shape of a cross - "The Decline and Fall of Christian America."
The world is watching. I can't help but wonder what the people of the world see.
The One riding into Jerusalem was hailed as king, but who guessed by week's end He would rise from the grave?
But will the world see Jesus this week?Will the world see Love, Forgiveness and Hope?
Or will the world see no better way than the path of hate, fear and decline?
The world is watching. What does your life proclaim?
If others do what you do this week, what will the world see?If others say what you say this week, what will the world hear?If others emulate your manner, what message will be communicated? Hope or despair? Courage or fear? Confidence or discouragement?
What will your life proclaim during Holy Week?
You get to decide."
John 12:12-13 - On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord , even the King of Israel."