Jesus’ approval rating reached a high point when he entered Jerusalem. The common people rallied upon his triumphal arrival and covered the streets before him with palm branches and articles of clothing. Unfortunately, Jerusalem’s learned elites were not persuaded by the grassroots demonstration. Rather, they hardened their criticisms of Jesus and sought for opportunities to punish him. It would have been better for the elites to reflect on why Jesus had become so popular among the lower classes.
Agatha Christie wrote that “popular feeling is very often sentimental, muddle-headed, and eminently unsound, but it cannot be disregarded for all that.” Sometimes the masses are right. Human beings have evolved a herd instinct for a good reason: it may very well save your life. The disregard shown by Jerusalem’s elites for the common estimation of Jesus was a grave error.
Palm Sunday is our day to join the masses, to be just one more soul in a numberless throng singing praises to our “King who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 19:38). The blessed palms that we hold up at Church today are symbols of our desire to truly welcome the savior into our lives once again, whenever and wherever he comes to us.