Hosanna to Hades

I love the celebration of Palm Sunday. Whether it’s done by literally waving palm branches or in songs of “Hosanna!”, rejoicing in Christ’s moment of triumph is a joy and a privilege. The celebration of the Good News has begun!!

But hard on its heels comes Holy Week - the days leading from the wild celebration of Jesus to His horrifying death. Jesus goes from acclaimed hero to abandoned criminal in the space of five days. The crowd that cheered His entry into Jerusalem dried up and disappeared. They may not have called for His death – but they did not shout down those who did. Their fear led them to desert the One they thought had come to save them. It’s a tragic tale that speaks to me every year.

It’s easy to cheer and celebrate God on a morning like Palm Sunday. Today, with the sun shining, new music from our worship team, and the story of Christ’s triumph, how could I not cheer? But what if most days are more like Good Friday than Palm Sunday? That Friday smelled only of death and endings. What if more days seem to lead to dead ends rather than joyful beginnings? Do I still celebrate my God? Do I trust His promised salvation, even when all I can see is bitterness or pain?

Jesus had the success and the loss, all in five days. But He stayed true to God’s plan, even when He felt forsaken and alone. Even when it had to feel like nothing was ever going to be right again. He kept His eyes on His Father and trusted Him even in the depths of hell.

For this week, let’s follow Jesus from the Hosannas through to Hades, so we can reach the ultimate Hallelujah of Easter with a greater understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice and gift. May every moment of your week be blessed with His presence!

Any Easter week thoughts or memories you’d like to share? Click on the “comments” link below.