As we begin the Holy Week to commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us reflect on that day when Jesus entered Jerusalem and people treated Him as royalty.

Ang mga tao sa unahan at sa hulihan ni Jesus ay sumisigaw ng ganito, “Purihin ang Diyos! Pinagpala ang dumarating sa pangalan ng Panginoon! Pagpalain nawa ang itatatag nang kaharian ng ating amang si David! Purihin ang Panginoon sa Kataas-taasan!”

Marcos 11:9–10

You know this game. Sasayaw ang mga kasali at mag-uunahan sa pag-upo sa paghinto ng tugtog. After every round, a chair is removed, and the player who gets to sit in the last chair wins. What if we play it with a twist by making the one who could not sit as the actual winner? What if something familiar has a different ending?

Long ago, Jesus had a real trip to Jerusalem. And for the Jews who were waiting for a King — this was very familiar! A popular leader going to Jerusalem with a crowd? He must be their king! Sigaw nila, “Pagpalain nawa ang itatatag nang kaharian!” Jesus will now fight their colonizers! Talaga ba? Well, Jesus indeed reached Jerusalem, but it was already late. He left the city without a battle against the Roman authorities. Excited pa naman ang mga tao sa pagtatagumpay Niya! But the day ended differently. Later on, Jesus was arrested and killed. Their expectations and standards for a new king failed.

May hari bang hinamak lang at pinatay? Paul said in Philippians 2:8-11 (NIV), “he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” ‘Yan ang ating Hari!

As we follow Jesus, we must allow our expectations and standards to be shaken. He is radical and revolutionary. His story will help us see that He is truly a victorious King! He is powerful, merciful, and He lovingly offered His life for our greater good.

We hope you’ll join us again tomorrow as we reflect this Holy Week on the sacrifice that our Lord Jesus made to redeem us from sin.