Holy Week Monday Devotion
by Alexis Waack
Palm Sunday was filled with shouts and cheers. Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to the Son of David! Can you imagine what this day must have looked like? Crowds gathered together, laying their coats and blankets on the ground to praise the Lord! I have always wondered what it would be like to experience this celebration. Hosanna! The Messiah is here!
Considering who this was, it turns out to be a rather humble and meek celebration. Yes, Christ was honored. The people met him with fanfare and praise and celebration. But this is God in the flesh. Compared to his heavenly praise, this was a whisper. In a moment, Christ could have easily called down angels and shown the people what a true celebration looked like. So why not? Why did Christ settle for a donkey, blankets, and palm branches? Paul helps us understand why in Philippians 2:6. He writes, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” Christ Jesus, who was by very nature God, valued humankind more than his status and glory as God. He gave up his glory and subdued his power to come to earth and save every one of us.
Christ’s life is full of gentle moments and quiet celebrations. First, think about his humble birth. The Son of God, our Savior, was born in a stable. There was no one there to celebrate this beautiful and historical moment besides Mary, Joseph, and some animals. Next, consider his life. He was the son of a carpenter. He grew up learning the craft of Joseph and living a human life, waiting for his time to come. Consider those with whom he surrounded himself. He spent time with lowly fishermen, tax collectors, and outcasts. He was ridiculed and questioned by the religious leaders, those who knew the Scriptures and should have been kneeling at the feet of the Lord. Christ’s life is full of examples of how he set aside his glory to live in this world.
Why would he do such a thing? Why would God, the creator of all things, set aside his glory to come to this earth? For you. Christ gave up his glory and came to earth to save all people. He loved you enough to consider his position something he could give up. What a thought! Jesus considers you, me, and each individual on this earth worth enough to leave his almighty throne and set his glory aside to come down to earth, and that is just what he did. What a testament to his love for us!
As we walk through this Holy Week, keep Paul’s words on your hearts and minds. Jesus came to earth and set his glory aside. He did this so that he could live and die for you. Now, he reigns in heaven in his full glory! Throughout this week, remember the lowly celebrations for your Savior during his earthly life. He accepts your praise, no matter how big or small. Find ways to praise him each day, looking forward to his eternal celebration in heaven. Hosanna in the highest!
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for setting your glory aside. Remind me every day of the sacrifice that you have made for me. Help me to praise you every day. Amen.