As Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem on the back of a colt, crowds of people waved palm branches and lined His path with their coats. They welcomed Him as their King, their Messiah, and their Deliverer.

The people of Israel pinned their hopes on Jesus. He had just raised His friend Lazarus from the dead after four days in the grave. This had to be the Son of David prophesied about in the Old Testament. And so the people rejoiced. They shouted, “Hosanna” meaning “save us.”

And, yes, Jesus’ mission was to save them—and us—from sin.

The Jews, however, had a different rescue in mind. They wanted to be set free from Roman occupation. They wanted autonomy. They wanted independence. They wanted to set their own their own rules.

Friend, looking back on history, we wonder how they didn’t “get it.” How could they not grasp that Jesus entered the city with a vastly different purpose? How could they have such a temporary goal in mind?

But, how often do we morph into those people who lined the streets of Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday?

How often do we set our own agendas for Jesus rather than submit to His authority?

How often do we want to dictate to Him rather than dedicate our lives to Him?

As we begin the season of Lent, the call for us is to die to self. To die to our agendas. To die to our will. To die to our pride, our best-laid plans, and our worldly priorities. But that’s not all. It is to pick up our cross and follow Him.

The practice of Lent is often associated with sacrifice. Depending on the tradition you follow, perhaps you give up meat or sugar or social media or all of the above, if you’re feeling particularly motivated.

If God has laid a certain sacrifice on your heart, then with the strength of the Holy Spirit make “every effort” to walk that narrow path. (Luke 13: 24)

But, as we perhaps give up a certain food or habit, could it serve as a reminder that we are called to lay down our lives?

In my Lent devotional on YouVersion/ the Bible App, we walk with Jesus on His last days on earth—from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His final cry on the cross.

Jesus came to die so we may live. May we live unto Him so we may not die.

Can we pray together?

Father God, As I enter the season of Lent, my heart is stirred by Your sacrifice. You rode into Jerusalem on the back of a lowly donkey to reveal Your humble heart. You came to serve and not be served. You entered this world with the mission to die so I can live, truly live that abundant and eternal life You secured for me. Lord, I pray that I would yield my life, moment by moment to You. Would You draw me closer to You in these next few weeks as I seek You with all my heart? Teach me what it means to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You. In Jesus’ name. Amen

 

If you feel compelled to pursue God more intentionally this season of Lent, may I invite you to join me in reading my 40-day Lent devotional, Journeying with Jesus on YouVersion. I have also created a free downloadable copy which you can print out and use for yourself or your small group here.

 

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