Finding Joy in Praising God: Lessons from Palm Sumday
Finding Joy in Praising God: Lessons from Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds laid down palm branches and shouted “Hosanna!” But this celebration carries deeper meaning for Christians today.
What is the Significance of Palm Sunday?
Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem fulfilled ancient prophecy, as he rode on an unridden colt – itself a miracle, as untamed animals typically won’t allow riders. The crowds celebrated because they had witnessed Jesus’s mighty works – healing the sick, feeding multitudes, and even raising Lazarus from the dead.
Why Did People Shout “Hosanna”?
The crowds shouted “Hosanna” (meaning “save us”) and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” because they had seen God’s power through Jesus’s miracles. Their celebration acknowledged Jesus as the promised Messiah.
How Should Christians Celebrate Today?
Too often, we restrict our praise to formal church settings, becoming hesitant to openly express our faith. But Jesus said if his followers were silent, “the very stones would cry out.” Our praise should:
Be bold and unashamed
Flow from genuine gratitude for God’s work in our lives
Happen in both good times and difficulties
Point others to Christ
What Happens When We Stay Silent?
When Christians fail to praise and share their faith:
Hearts become hardened to God, like dried clay
We miss opportunities to witness
We force creation itself to cry out (like stones)
We act more like fair-weather crowds than faithful disciples
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to:
Praise God openly, even in difficult moments
Share what God has done in your life with others
Look for opportunities to express your faith boldly
Replace complaints with praise
Ask yourself:
Am I praising God only when it’s comfortable and culturally acceptable?
What holds me back from expressing my faith more openly?
How can I be more intentional about sharing God’s work in my life?
Am I living as part of the faithful body of Christ or just following the crowd?
Remember: We were created to praise God. When we stay silent, even the stones must cry out. Let’s live to shout “Hosanna” and show others the blessings of the one who comes in the name of the Lord.