Palm Sunday, Palms Someday

Today is Palm Sunday, or the day when we Christians celebrate the account given to us in the Gospels about Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem toward His destiny, which takes place about a week before his Resurrection...

John 12:12-15 (KJV) On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and [that] they had done these things unto him.

Why is Palm Sunday significant (in a nutshell, and without oversimplifying the sheer magnitude of what was taking place thousands of years ago that would have ramifications for all of mankind and for the rest of time)? Have a quick look and a listen...

Palm Sunday: Why Is It Significant?





Like His birth, Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem was unlike anything the people expected for the One who would become their glorious Savior, and yet, they should've known better. That's because the Word of God was proclaimed through the prophets of old, and it told of what would happen (Isaiah 62:11; Zechariah 9:9). They problem was that, much like today, far too many people were ignorant of His holy Word.

When Jesus Christ would appear in His glory, it is in His meekness, not in His majesty, and in mercy, to work His plan of salvation for us. Incredible that meekness and outward poverty were fully seen in Jerusalem's King for a second time upon the world's stage.

As the Gospels tell us, the celebrating people there set down their cloaks in front of Him, and they also put down small branches of trees, or palm branches. Little did they know that He would soon put His life down for them, and for all of us.

We're told that the people also sang part of Psalm 118...

Psalm 118:25-26 (KJV) Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed [be] he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

We often spend so much time examining symbolism of the subjective kind here, but let's look at the only kind of symbolism that really matters let alone the kind that we don't have to guess about -- Biblical symbolism.

The palm branch was a symbol of triumph and victory in Jewish tradition, and is treated in other parts of the Bible as such (Leviticus 23:40). In fact, we also see it mentioned and used in the same way, but in some key prophetic verses that give us a glimpse of our future...

Revelation 7:9 (KJV) After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

My dear friends, we would be wise to prayerfully consider this day and what the Scriptures tell us about another (and future) use of palm branches in the Book of Revelation because it beautifully ties in with so many of our studies here in recent weeks.

For instance, just take a look at some of the related passages to cross reference with these common Palm Sunday verses we know so well...

Leviticus 23:40 (KJV) And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

Zechariah 10:8 (KJV) I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.

Luke 21:36 (KJV) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Revelation 3:4 (KJV) Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Revelation 5:9 (KJV) And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Revelation 6:11 (KJV) And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

Revelation 7:8 (KJV) Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

Revelation 7:13-15 (KJV) And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

Revelation 22:3 (KJV) And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

Do you notice a common theme? Unreal! I love it when the Word of God shows such marvelous coherence and consistency! Amen!

Hopefully, you do notice it, and you also recognize many of those verses from our previous studies. I was stunned to discover that even though I know fully well that God should never cease to amaze me. I mean, just think about all of those previous Revelation 3/Jesus' Letter To Sardis/"Walk With Me In White" entries and how they seamlessly connect with Palm Sunday and what it teaches us.

This vision that John writes about here of "a great multitude" that are "before the throne" in Heaven is given immediately after he sees the sealing of the 144,000. Thus, the previous vision takes place on earth whereas this subsequent one takes place in Heaven.

In Barnes' Notes On The Bible, I love this comment that helps us understand these important verses...

The design seems to be to carry the mind forward quite beyond the storms and tempests of earth - the scenes of woe and sorrow - the clays of error, darkness, declension, and persecution - to that period when the church should be triumphant in heaven. Instead, therefore, of leaving the impression that the hundred and forty-four thousand would be all that would be saved, the eye is directed to an innumerable host, gathered from all ages, all climes, and all people, triumphant in glory.

The multitude that John thus saw was not, therefore, I apprehend, the same as the hundred and forty-four thousand, but a far greater number the whole assembled host of the redeemed in heaven, gathered there as vistors, with palmbranches, the symbols of triumph, in their hands. The object of the vision is to cheer those who are desponding in times of religious declension and in seasons of persecution, and when the number of true Christians seems to be small, with the assurance that an immense host shall be redeemed from our world, and be gathered triumphant before the throne.

Just stop and think about John's reaction here for a moment. Much like those in Jerusalem who witnessed Jesus riding into their city on a donkey, and later being crucified and killed on the cross, he was shocked and surprised as indicated by the words "And, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number", and that gives us an idea of the contrast between the two visions too.

So, instead of the comparatively few who were sealed (the 144,000) in the preceding vision, an innumerable group were seen in this next vision, and that's why surprise was his natural response. It's also worth noting that John didn't even attempt to number the people he saw there.

Yet, as Gill's Exposition Of The Entire Bible points out, God can surely number them!

God indeed can number them, but not man; for they are a set of particular persons chosen by God, and redeemed by Christ, and who are perfectly and distinctly known by them; their number and names are with them; their names are written in the Lamb's book of life; and God and Christ can, and do call them by their name; and when they were given to Christ, they passed under the rod of him that telleth them; and he will give an exact account of them, of every individual person, another day. But then they are not to be numbered by men; and they will be of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, and therefore must consist both of Jews and Gentiles; these were not all nations, but "of" all nations, some of all nations; and such God has chosen, Christ has redeemed, and the Spirit calls; God has not chosen all the Jews, but a remnant, according to the election of grace, nor all the Gentiles, but has taken out of them a people for his name; and so Christ has redeemed, by his blood, some out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation, of Jew and Gentile: and hence the Gospel has been sent into all the world, and to all nations, for the gathering of these persons out of them; and when they are all gathered in, they will all meet together in the new Jerusalem church state, and make up the body here presented to view.

Praise the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! There is hope for the hopeless in these dark times as evidenced by this passage that clearly demonstrates that Jesus saves just like we've been told! Though vast numbers of humanity won't be saved, vast numbers will be saved. Amen!

We read here in Revelation that this multitude before the Throne of God in Heaven will also have "palms in their hands" someday just as those in Jerusalem did when Christ rode in on the back of a donkey (John 12:13), and that it will serve as an emblem of their uprightness and faithfulness, which they had shown in the cause of Christ -- yes, even unto death.

I didn't know this, but the palm tree is a very upright tree (Jeremiah 10:5). At this point, I stayed with this chapter from Jeremiah 10, and trusted that I was being led there for a reason. Sure enough, if we look at several verses from Jeremiah 10, then we get an even more complete picture of what God is trying to tell us through His revealed Word, which is appropriately a section of Scripture devoted to what God has to say about idols...

Jeremiah 10:1-25 (KJV) Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities. Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men. But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures. Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish. The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name. Gather up thy wares out of the land, O inhabitant of the fortress. For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and will distress them, that they may find it so. Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it. My tabernacle is spoiled, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not: there is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtains. For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered. Behold, the noise of the bruit is come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate, and a den of dragons. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

Sobering for sure, huh? I mean, my gosh, just go back an re-read that excerpt again and prayerfully consider its application to this present day.

As Matthew Henry stated about that text...

Jeremiah 10:1-16 The prophet shows the glory of Israel's God, and exposes the folly of idolaters. Charms and other attempts to obtain supernatural help, or to pry into futurity, are copied from the wicked customs of the heathen. Let us stand in awe, and not dare provoke God, by giving that glory to another which is due to him alone. He is ready to forgive, and save all who repent and believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ. Faith learns these blessed truths from the word of God; but all knowledge not from that source, leads to doctrines of vanity.

An apt reminder (and warning) for these times we're living in. Don't fear those evil men and women of the world who appear like a palm tree in their pillar-like, unmovable stature. God is sovereign --not man! Fight fear with faith!

So, it's interesting that in this study of Palm Sunday we find this connection between the saints in Heaven before the Throne of God and their bearing up under a variety of pressures and afflictions, by which they were not cast down and destroyed, but bravely stood up under them, and were now come out of them.

Furthermore, as we've said before, the palm tree is well known to be a token of victory, and so it serves as an emblem of victory and triumph for us in Jesus Christ over our enemies such as sin, Satan, the world, and death, or EVERYTHING we had been struggling with, in a state of imperfection, but are now more than conquerors over them because of our repentance for our sins and our belief that we are forgiven, redeemed, and saved by the sacrifice, shed blood, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ on our behalf.

In closing, I would like to point out how it is said that the the more weight that is hung upon the palm tree, the higher it rises, and the straighter it grows (Psalm 92:12). What a beautiful description of (and similarity to) the process of sanctification, or the Lord's work to make us more like His Son (Hebrews 12:2), isn't it?

The palm branch is the symbol of joy and triumph. Guess what? It was also used at the Feast of Tabernacles when they held a feast to God in thanksgiving for the ingathered fruits.

You know, that gets me thinking about something from Zechariah...

Zechariah 14:16 (KJV) And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Every day of a Christian's life is sort of like a day of the Feast of Tabernacles when you think about it. What I mean by that is that EVERY DAY we should strive to worship the Lord, and so we should strive to keep EVERY DAY that the Lord gives us with a sort of solemnity.

Most importantly, we should do it His way -- not our way.

Palm Sunday: God's Way



Whose way do you want? Yours or God's?

Zechariah 14:16-21 It is just for God to withhold the blessings of grace from those who do not attend the means of grace. It is a sin that is its own punishment; those who forsake the duty, forfeit the privilege of communion with God. A time of complete peace and purity of the church will arrive. Men will carry on their common affairs, and their sacred services, upon the same holy principles of faith, love and obedience. Real holiness shall be more diffused, because there shall be a more plentiful pouring forth of the Spirit of holiness than ever before. There shall be holiness even in common things. Every action and every enjoyment of the believer, should be so regulated according to the will of God, that it may be directed to his glory. Our whole lives should be as one constant sacrifice, or act of devotion; no selfish motive should prevail in any of our actions. But how far is the Christian church from this state of purity! Other times, however, are at hand, and the Lord will reform and enlarge his church, as he has promised. Yet in heaven alone will perfect holiness and happiness be found.

Revelation 7:9-12 Such a glorious appearance will the faithful servants of God make at last, when they have fought the good fight of faith, and finished their course. With a loud voice they gave to God and the Lamb the praise of the great salvation. Those who enjoy eternal happiness must and will bless both the Father and the Son; they will do it publicly, and with fervour. We see what is the work of heaven, and we ought to begin it now, to have our hearts much in it, and to long for that world where our praises, as well as our happiness, will be made perfect.

-- Matthew Henry

Back to the Feast of Tabernacles, or the Feast of Thanksgiving for a moment.

Thankfulness: Precisely the type of heart condition and mindset we need to be praying for on this Palm Sunday especially in anticipation of Resurrection Day next week.

Lastly, let's understand that Palm Sunday -- in no way -- should ever overshadow what happened on the Cross At Clavary...

Reader, have you come to the blood of sprinkling? The question is not whether you have come to a knowledge of doctrine, or an observance of ceremonies, or to a certain form of experience, but have you come to the blood of Jesus? The blood of Jesus is the life of all vital godliness. If you have truly come to Jesus, we know how you came--the Holy Spirit sweetly brought you there. You came to the blood of sprinkling with no merits of your own. Guilty, lost, and helpless, you came to take that blood, and that blood alone, as your everlasting hope. You came to the cross of Christ, with a trembling and an aching heart; and oh! what a precious sound it was to you to hear the voice of the blood of Jesus! The dropping of His blood is as the music of heaven to the penitent sons of earth. We are full of sin, but the Saviour bids us lift our eyes to Him, and as we gaze upon His streaming wounds, each drop of blood, as it falls, cries, "It is finished; I have made an end of sin; I have brought in everlasting righteousness." Oh! sweet language of the precious blood of Jesus! If you have come to that blood once, you will come to it constantly. Your life will be "Looking unto Jesus." Your whole conduct will be epitomized in this--"To whom coming." Not to whom I have come, but to whom I am always coming. If thou hast ever come to the blood of sprinkling, thou wilt feel thy need of coming to it every day. He who does not desire to wash in it every day, has never washed in it at all. The believer ever feels it to be his joy and privilege that there is still a fountain opened. Past experiences are doubtful food for Christians; a present coming to Christ alone can give us joy and comfort. This morning let us sprinkle our door-post fresh with blood, and then feast upon the Lamb, assured that the destroying angel must pass us by.

-- Charles H. Spurgeon

Let's never forget the cry "Hosanna!", or "Help us!/Save us!" during our worship of Him.

One final thought here. Earlier, we opened this Bible study by referencing the Biblical record that tells us that the people who greeted Jesus as he entered Jerusalem on a donkey not only laid down their garments and palm branches, but they also sang praises to Him directly from Psalm 118.

I think it's definitely worth noting that even when man attempted to put his own "spin" on the Scriptures (when chapter and verse were added to the text where they would remain for the rest of time), God, in His infinite wisdom, still had the last laugh.

What do I mean? Well, what chapter is right in the middle of the Holy Bible? There's some dispute, but I once read that it's Psalm 118! The report I saw also said that Psalm 118 is preceded by 594 chapters, and it's followed by 594 chapters. If you add the number of "preceding chapters" to the number of "following chapters" you get 1188...and Psalm 118:8 (or the total number after adding the "preceding chapters" to the "following chapters") is the center verse! If true (and sorry, but I don't have the time to sit down and do that right now), how absolutely amazing is that?

What does that "center verse" say? Not surprisingly, it says the following...

Psalm 118:8 (KJV) It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Oh yeah! In addition, the shortest chapter is Psalm 117, and the longest chapter is Psalm 119. But let's say a few more things about Psalm 118 since it's applicable to this study today.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let's not lose sight of the deeper spiritual significance here. In other words, if Psalm 118 is in the middle of the entire Bible, then it can be viewed as the CENTRAL CHAPTER/CENTRAL PASSAGE/CENTRAL VERSES, right? And what does Psalm 118 teach us? Some powerful truths indeed for sure...

Psalm 118:1-29 (KJV) O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

How beautiful is it then that this is said to be the "central chapter" in all of God's Word, and that portions of it were recited and sung by the very people who welcomed Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, which is now celebrated annually as Palm Sunday?

Whether Psalm 118 is the center of the Bible or not is immaterial. Either way, it doesn't change the overall message and truth of today's entry on Palm Sunday. I pray that it wasn't lost on you.

Today, it's Palm Sunday, but rejoice because we'll all hold palms someday.

Keep looking up!

[NOTE: Originally published April 17th, 2011]

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