As We Prepare for Palm Sunday, Think on This

Scripture Reading:
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
— Matthew 23:37 (NIV)

Reflection:
Palm Sunday is often celebrated with waving palm branches, joyful songs, and declarations of “Hosanna!” It marks the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem—a moment full of messianic hope and public praise. The people lined the streets, laying down their cloaks and lifting their voices to welcome the King.

But behind the shouts of celebration, Jesus saw something deeper. He didn’t just see the palm branches or hear the hosannas—He saw hearts that were divided. He saw the city He loved, a people He longed to gather, yet who resisted the very One sent to save them.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” Jesus cried, “how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings…” (Matthew 23:37). It’s a mothering image—tender, vulnerable, and filled with grief. This is the heart of our Savior: not simply a triumphant King, but a compassionate Redeemer.

As we prepare for Palm Sunday, think on this:
Are we waving palms without offering our hearts?
Are we welcoming Him in word but resisting Him in our will?
Have we become so caught up in the celebration that we’ve forgotten the invitation—to be gathered to Him?

Jesus is still longing to draw His people close. He still weeps over resistance and rejoices over repentance. He still comes humbly, offering not just deliverance, but deep relationship.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as Palm Sunday approaches, we pause not only to celebrate You—but to consider what You see in us. Give us hearts that are open to be gathered by You. Strip away the pride, the resistance, the fear. Gather us under Your wings. As You entered Jerusalem with love and longing, enter our lives again with grace and mercy.
Not our will, but Yours. Not our purpose, but Yours.
Give us clarity of mind and a heart rooted in Your purpose. Amen.