Scripture reading: Mark 11:1-10
The United Nations General Assembly recently voted to recognise the enslavement of Africans during the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity.” The resolution, proposed by Ghana, also urged member states to consider issuing apologies and contributing to a reparations fund. Reparation is the act of making amends for a wrong by offering restitution, payment, or assistance to those who have been harmed.
Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem marked the beginning of a far greater act of reparation, one that would culminate in the ultimate payment for all of humanity’s wrongs, even the gravest ones. As the crowds cried out, “Hosanna!” — which literally means “Save us!”— they longed for a political deliverer, a conquering king who would overthrow Rome and restore their national glory. Unbeknownst to them, the true King had come, not to overthrow Rome, but to overthrow sin.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of His final week— a week in which He would fulfil His divine mission of liberating humanity from the bondage of sin. He rode into Jerusalem on a colt, quietly fulfilling prophecy—humble, yet purposeful. He came to bring eternal freedom, but the people were fixated on temporary relief. They saw the moment. He saw eternity.
Are we so consumed by the troubles of today that we are losing sight of eternity?
What began with loud praise on Sunday would end in a brutal cross on Friday. The same voices that shouted “Hosanna!” would soon cry, “Crucify Him!” The same crowd that celebrated Him would abandon Him. Triumph gave way to sacrifice; expectation collided with divine purpose.
And then there is the colt.
A colt that had to be loosed before it could be used.
In much the same way, many of us are bound by fear, sin, doubt, and distraction, unable to step into God’s purposes. But when Christ takes the reins, everything changes. What is bound is loosed. What is ordinary becomes sacred. What is surrendered becomes purposeful.
Just as He triumphantly entered Jerusalem, when we open our lives to Him, He comes not merely to visit, but to restore, to reign, and to make all things new. Hosanna, then, is not just a shout of praise; it is a surrendered prayer: “Lord, save us… Save us Your way.”
Pause and Reflect
1. What kind of salvation am I seeking?
The crowd cried “Hosanna,” but their expectations were temporary.
- Do I seek God only for immediate, visible breakthroughs?
- Or am I open to the deeper, spiritual work He wants to do in me?
- Am I aligned with God’s purpose, or just my expectations?
2. What needs to be loosed in my life?
The colt had to be released before it could be used.
- What is holding me back—fear, sin, pride, distraction?
- What am I still holding onto that God is asking me to surrender?
- What must I let go of for God to fully use me?
3. Have I truly allowed Jesus to reign?
The people welcomed Him, but many did not accept His lordship.
- Have I invited Jesus into every area of my life?
- Do I follow Him only when it’s convenient, or even when it’s costly?
- Is Jesus a guest in my life, or truly my King?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I lay down my expectations and invite You to lead. Save me—not my way, but Yours. Loose every chain that holds me back— fear, sin, doubt, and distraction— and teach me to follow You in humility and trust. Reign in my heart, restore what is broken, and make my life a reflection of Your purpose.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Thank you for joining us for today’s encouragement. If this message blessed you, kindly share it with someone who may also be encouraged by it.
Until next time, stay blessed.
On Rounds with Jesus 
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