Today’s message focuses on Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem publicly and deliberately as King. Crowds lined the streets waving palm branches, shouting “Hosanna,” and celebrating what they believed was the arrival of a political deliverer. Palm branches symbolized victory and national hope. To the people, Jesus appeared to be the long-awaited solution to their immediate problems.
Yet Jesus entered Jerusalem fully aware that the praise of the crowd would be short-lived. He knew that many who shouted “Save us now” would soon reject Him when He refused to meet their expectations. Jesus did not come to seize power, overthrow Rome, or elevate earthly status. He came to surrender Himself, take up a cross, and offer salvation through sacrifice.
Palm Sunday exposes a tension that still exists today: it is possible to celebrate Jesus while misunderstanding His mission. True discipleship requires more than admiration—it requires surrender.
Fasting helps reveal this tension in our own hearts. When we fast, we intentionally lay down comforts and desires, allowing God to expose where we may be following Him for what He provides rather than for who He is. Fasting shifts our focus from temporary needs to eternal truth.
As Holy Week begins, we are invited not only to reflect—but to deny ourselves, quiet our expectations, and draw closer to Jesus with clarity and surrender.
Lord, as we reflect on Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, help us to see Him clearly. Remove false expectations and prepare our hearts to follow Him faithfully throughout this Holy Week. As we fast, align our desires with Your will. Amen.
Matthew 21:1–11
John 12:12–16
Psalm 118:25–26
Why do you think the crowd responded so enthusiastically to Jesus’s arrival?
What expectations did the people place on Jesus that differed from God’s plan?
How can praise become shallow if it is not paired with obedience?
In what ways do we sometimes want Jesus to fit our expectations?
What might God reveal in your heart if you fasted this week?
Take time today to reflect on your expectations of Jesus. Ask Him to be Lord over every area of your life, not just the comfortable parts.
Consider incorporating a fast this week(from food, social media, or another daily comfort) and use that time to pray. Each moment of hunger or discomfort becomes a reminder to turn your attention back to Christ and realign your heart with His mission.
Jesus was welcomed as King, but misunderstood
Praise does not always equal surrender
Jesus came to bring spiritual redemption
True discipleship requires trust and obedience
Fasting helps expose misplaced expectations and deepens surrender
Father, help us welcome Jesus as He truly is. Teach us to follow Him with surrendered hearts, even when His ways differ from our expectations. As we fast, draw us closer to You and refine our hearts to desire what You desire. Amen.
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