Scripture texts are Zechariah 9.9-10 and John 12.9-19 from the thought "Palm Sunday - A Commitment to Christ in 2021."

What can we glean from the NT text?

1.Many start well and come to praise the Lord (vv11-13)! HOSANNA! HOSANNA! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna means "give salvation now" was in Psalm 113-118 part of the Hallel. Waving of the palm branches and shouting Hosanna was a way the Jews ushered in the King of the Jews! They started off well!

2.Some have a penchant for a show (vv17-18). Some had followed Jesus because they wanted to see another miracle. He had recently raised Lazarus from the dead. Some just had a proclivity to be entertained. Even certain people today are onlookers in search of an entertaining show. Matt 15:7-8 describes those that honor God with their lips but have hearts that are far from Him. Don't just be an onlooker, be THE CHURCH.

3.Sometimes the enemy will show up (v19). Some came excited, some were onlookers, and some were enemies of Jesus. Jewish leadership was hostile towards Jesus, but they could not alter God’s plans! On Good Friday they were claiming victory because of the crucifixion of Jesus....so they thought! Sometimes the enemy will show up, but Jesus defeats the enemy...ALWAYS! Nothing can separate us from the LOVE of God! The enemy may show up, but God has YOUR best interest!

The Jewish people praised Jesus and shouted Hosanna on Palm Sunday but shouted Crucify Him on Friday. Despite this, the Lord still made a way for the Jewish people and for us all to be reconciled to Him! Are YOU a friend of Jesus? Let us resolve to stay committed to Christ! Hosanna! Hosanna! Praise the Lord God Almighty!