{ Read Matthew 21: 1-11}
The Sunday before Easter, often called Palm Sunday, reminds us of Christ entering Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. We picture Him riding a donkey, with crowds scattering palm branches along His path. Why did they do this, what was the symbolism of the palm branch?
The palm branch was the emblem for Jerusalem because of how important it was to their everyday survival. The palm branch appeared on the coins of that land, symbolizing one of the riches of that country. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, it was when the trees were in bloom, so in covering the way with palm branches, the people were offering a symbol of luxury. It was a symbol of necessity too. To the Jews, palm branches represented a gift from God because of its many uses in their lives.
The palm was so important to the people that if there was ever a war in the countries, they would cut down their enemies palm trees, causing loss of food and livelihood to the people.
No part was ever wasted on the palm tree. This important tree has many different species and many ranging sizes. The date palm supplied dates, of course. The coconut palm supplied both coconut and coconut milk. The sap of the sugar palm was dried, beaten, and ground into very fine sugar. Its leaves could also be boiled and used as a vegetable. The trunk of the sago palm supplied a strong starch that was ground into flour and made into unleavened bread.
Their coarse fiber was used to make brooms, mats, and baskets; their fine fiber was used to make sewing thread, and their heaviest fiber was used to make strong ropes for ships. Palm oils have been made into both butter and soap. Coconut shells, too, were used. Fine bowls, cooking utensils, even tools were made from them. The timber of some palms was resistant to rot and salt water and was especially good for making boats. The seeds of palms were boiled into a medicinal drink or were dried and eaten as nuts. If they were allowed to dry a long time, they became as hard as rock and transparent, and made durable beads and trinkets. The palm’s yellowish-white flowers had an odor similar to that of violets, and they were made into perfume. The lovely, waxy flowers also were worn by the women as decorative headdresses.
Since the palm trees meant so much to the people of Jerusalem the act of placing this precious plant at the foot of our Savior meant giving up worldly goods, both necessary and luxury.
The people of Jerusalem shouted the words "Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!" when Jesus entered their city. We still do this today at our Temple dedications and at other solemn events. The word Hosanna comes from the Hebrew word "Hosanna" and means, in effect "save now" or "Lord, save us now".
How would you show your joy that Jesus is the Christ if he were to come today?
This week our family will be focusing on the last week of Christ's life. I hope to have the time to share each day with you and bring the spirit of Christ into your homes as well. We are encouraging each other to not only remember that Christ died for us but that he lived for us. He is the ultimate example to us all. Remember to continually ask and look for ways to serve those around you, and bring the light of Christ into other's lives. God sent his son so that we may live with Him again in heaven. I pray that you will remember Christ this week as we approach Easter Sunday and keep his light with you daily.
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