On Palm Sunday, we rejoice with those who laid down cut branches before Jesus as he approached the town of Jerusalem mounted on a donkey: “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven’ ” (Matt. 21:9 NIV)! The disciples had been told by God’s Son, himself, to tell the people that their King was coming. It was a celebration! Children were singing about The King of the Jews!

Little did the people know, that the same glorious title they joyfully shouted out to Jesus, would soon be etched onto a sign designed to mock our blessed Savior as he was nailed to a cross and crucified. It would be crudely written and placed above his head, just above the bloody crown of thorns he was forced to wear. Not just any thorns, but the longest, sharpest thorns which could be found. These thorns pierced his beautiful, perfect head; a head full of wisdom, scripture, prayers, godliness, and love for all mankind.

Jesus could have used his power to gain an earthly kingdom and riches. He could have demanded anything he wanted and worn a crown of priceless jewels. Instead, Jesus put himself into the hands of The Father, accepted punishment for the sins of the world, and allowed others to place a crown of thorns upon his head… all so we could have eternal life with him in Heaven one day.

Jesus died for YOU. Jesus died for ME. He was pierced for each and every one of us, and he would have allowed it to be done to him even if you were the one and only person on earth. His painful piercing brought about our perfect healing. There is no other way to know God, except through The King of the Jews… Jesus Christ… God’s Son… The Messiah. Forever Jesus now reigns as King over Heaven and Earth! Hallelujah! Will you accept his gift of salvation?

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isa. 53:5).