Whenever I start to feel unloved by God, I remind myself of the events that led up to the salvation of my soul. More recently, one event that has stood out to me is Palm Sunday. During Easter, a lot of attention is paid to Good Friday and Easter Sunday—and for good reasons. But the message of Palm Sunday is just as profound. Let me tell you why.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week. It is the day Jesus rode on a colt (young donkey) through Jerusalem and the people cheered “Hosanna”, which means “Save us” or “Saviour”. The whole city was chaotic (in a good way), as people threw off their outer robes and palm branches on the ground so that this Messiah would not even ride on bare ground. It was so beautiful. I imagine the disciples were filled with joy—finally, it must have seemed, Jesus was receiving the honor He deserved. The joy was palpable. The love and celebration were overwhelming…or so it seemed. (Matt. 21:1-11)
The disciples—and maybe you too—would have never guessed that by the end of the week, these same people will demand that the man they had just celebrated, be killed…and in a brutal way. The disciples didn’t know, but Jesus did. Jesus knew that the people who were celebrating Him now would change sides in a couple of days, yet, He received their honor. He knew the same people singing His praises would soon call for His death. Yet, He accepted their praise, knowing full well what was coming. How profound. (Lk. 23:16-25)
It reminds me of that verse: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). I used to quantify Jesus’ love for me only by His death on the cross. But now, I realize it runs deeper. Many of us end relationships when we’ve been wronged. But Jesus knew our wrongs ahead of time and still chose to go all in for us.
I think this revelation of Jesus’ incomparable love is what made the Apostle John so convinced that truly Jesus loved him. He believed in this so much that he constantly referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”. This habit grew stronger in the periods leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.
On the night Jesus was arrested, He washed the feet of His disciples—the very people who would soon abandon Him. And He knew this. If I knew a friend would betray me, I might withdraw or even give them a reason to. But not Jesus. He still served them, still loved them, still called them His own. That same night, He repeatedly reminded them of His love, urging them to love one another in the same way. (John 13)
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
Psalm 103:10-11 KJV
I believe the strong emphasis Jesus laid on His love for them earlier is what brought Peter back after he denied Jesus. When the rooster crowed the third time, Peter remembered what Jesus had said. I imagine Peter’s thoughts: “Wow. Jesus knew I’d do this…and yet, He still loved me. Why?” And honestly, I don’t have a simple answer. Jesus’ love is a great mystery—one we may never fully understand. (Lk. 22:54-62)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV
God’s love always draws us nearer. It does not push us away. Peter and Judas committed virtually the same sin; betrayal. Judas let guilt consume him, Peter remembered Jesus’ love. While Judas allowed guilt eat away at his heart, Peter reminded himself of how much Jesus loved him. Judas gave in to shame, Peter leaned into grace. Judas’ story ended in an unfortunate way. He couldn’t even get a proper burial. But over 2000 years later, Peter’s life still inspires thousands upon thousands. (2 Cor. 7:10)
This is why I love Easter. It reminds me that I was a worthless sinner whom Jesus washed clean. I was a betrayer but now I am forgiven and set straight. I was a bad friend but now I am a joint heir. When I felt like nothing, Jesus saw me in my mess, washed, polished, and called me His own, giving even His blood for my sake. (Rev. 1:5)
Palm Sunday especially reminds me of the deceptive nature of man’s heart but a God who sees through that facade yet still stretches out His hand in salvation. Irrespective of our fickle hearts, God’s love is steady. God’s love is the greatest gift man received. It is only when the devil successfully makes you feel unloved—even by God—that he has truly gotten to you. As long as you remain in the love of Christ, even if you fall, like Peter, you will not feel ashamed to grab the Lord’s arm and stand up again.
This season is the perfect reminder: Jesus loves you, even more than you know.
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