Jesus, May You Find Me Always Waving My Palm Branch for You - Encouragement for Today - April 13, 2025
Jesus, May You Find Me Always Waving My Palm Branch for You
JENNIFER DUKES LEE
Lee en español
“‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’ And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, ‘Who is this?’ And the crowds said, ‘This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.’” Matthew 21:9b-11 (ESV)
Editor’s Note: Today’s devotion is part of our Holy Week series! Journey with us as we experience the power of Jesus’ love, remember His sacrifice, and walk in the victory of His resurrection. We pray this series prepares your heart for the joy of Easter. Subscribe now.
On Palm Sunday mornings when I was young, the children at my church walked through the aisles waving palm branches in honor of Jesus. I imagined myself among the crowd that welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem, shouting, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9b).
Still, even as a kid, I sensed the celebration was short-lived. In my young heart, I thought, I want to stay here on the streets with the palm branches — where everyone is cheering for Jesus!
But that long-ago parade didn’t stop on the streets. It led to the cross. The triumphant “Hosannas” would fade into the angry shouts of “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:22-23, NIV).
As an adult, I still wave palm branches at church on Palm Sunday mornings. When I do, my heart holds two emotions at once: joy and sorrow. Joy because I understand what Jesus did for me. Sorrow because I’m aware that He knew the cost.
That’s what breaks my heart: Jesus knew.
Even as the palm branches crunched under the feet of the donkey He was riding, He knew where this parade was headed. He knew who’d betray Him and who’d deny Him. He knew Sunday’s palm-waving fans would scatter by Friday. He knew what pain and suffering awaited Him.
And still He went.
Jesus had determined from the beginning that He would love us to His death so we could be given true life.
The magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice is incomprehensible. The depth of His love is incomparable. And the breadth of His goodness makes Him absolutely irresistible.
When He entered Jerusalem that day, everyone asked, “‘Who is this?’ And the crowds said, ‘This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee’” (Matthew 21:10-11).
How do we answer that question today: Who is Jesus?
I answer with all my heart:
You are my Savior — that’s who You are.
You are my Friend, my Redeemer, and the reason my life has meaning.
You are my purpose, my passion and my pathway to peace.
You are the one true King.
This Palm Sunday, I lay down my palm branches on a different kind of road — the road that leads to my heart. I need Jesus to work in my heart every single day as He continues to change me from the inside out. I don’t want to be counted among those who denied Him, betrayed Him or hid when the stakes were high. I want to love Him at all costs. May Jesus always see my branch waving high for Him alone.
Jesus, I am in awe of the indescribable gift You have given to us. May You always hear our voices exalting You above everything else in our lives: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Maybe you’ve heard of this Jesus and know a little about Him. Many know that Easter commemorates His resurrection. Some think of Him as a teacher or perhaps the founder of a major world religion. But do you know Him personally? Do you know that Jesus died and rose again, not just to start a spiritual movement but because He loves you and wants to provide a way for you to know Him? To find out more about Jesus Christ and how to have new life through Him, click here.
ENGAGE
Jennifer would love to connect with you on Instagram, where she daily explores topics such as surrender, seeking God’s will, and trusting Him through all of life’s circumstances.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
John 12:13a, “So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna!’” (ESV).
The Bible includes four accounts of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-44 and John 12:12-19. Read one of these accounts — or all of them — and try to put yourself in the shoes of someone in the crowd, one of Jesus' disciples, or Jesus Himself. What sticks out most to you? What’s one thing you can do today to metaphorically place palm branches on the road to your heart?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2025 by Jennifer Dukes Lee. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
