Palm Sunday Devotional
George Connors

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Scripture: Matthew 26: 14-27
Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

The Last Supper
On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you".

From “Hosanna” to Betrayal

The Celebration of the King
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds welcomed Him with excitement and hope. They spread cloaks on the road and waved palm branches, shouting “Hosanna!”—a cry meaning save us now. They believed their King had come.

Yet Jesus didn’t arrive like a conquering general. He rode a humble donkey. His kingdom would not come through political power or force, but through sacrifice and love.

Sometimes I can behave like that crowd. I praise Jesus when He seems to fit my expectations—when life is hopeful and God feels close. I celebrate Him when things are going well.

But do I still follow Him when His path leads somewhere harder than I expected? Do I still give him the praise he deserves? 

The Shadow of Betrayal
Only a few chapters later, the story turns darker. One of Jesus’ own disciples, Judas Iscariot, betrays Him for an agreed to price of thirty pieces of silver. The same city full of people that shouted “Hosanna” just a few days prior will very soon cry for His death.

This contrast is sobering. Public enthusiasm can fade quickly, but Jesus already knew it would happen. Still, He continued toward the cross.

His commitment to us didn’t depend on the loyalty of the crowd. It doesn’t rely on me or my actions either. But does that mean my belief should fade when times get tough? Life does not always lead us down the path we expect. I never expected to be living alone at this stage of my life, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be thankful for all I have. I should pray asking God to bless me with me perspective and to open my eyes and heart to the good things I do have and to help me focus my efforts on how I can bring joy & peace to others.  

A Mirror for My Heart
These passages challenge me to look inward.

Am I praising Jesus only when it’s convenient?
Do I treat Him as King when it benefits me, but drift away when following Him costs something?

The distance between shouting “Hosanna” and betraying Jesus is not as wide as I might think. Faithfulness isn’t measured in moments of excitement but in daily devotion. Starting each day with quiet thankfulness, reflective prayer and hopeful enthusiasm can help to steer me towards God’s love and drive me to being a positive example to others. 

Even in the face of betrayal, Jesus continues the path toward redemption. He breaks bread with His disciples and moves steadily toward the sacrifice that will bring salvation.

Where people are inconsistent, Jesus is unwavering. Where human loyalty fails, His love remains.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You entered Jerusalem knowing both the praise and the betrayal that awaited You. Thank You for loving us with a steadfast love that does not change. Guard my heart from shallow devotion. Help me follow You not only in moments of celebration but also in moments of sacrifice. Teach me to live faithfully under Your kingship every day. Amen