Vital Signs: Monday, April 14, 2025

“As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead.

“Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,

“Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.’”

The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.

Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!”

The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”— Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭11‬, NLT

A week before Easter, we celebrate Palm Sunday. This commemorates the day Jesus and His followers made their way to Jerusalem, where He told some of His friends to find a donkey for Him to ride into town. They did as He asked, and as Jesus entered Jerusalem, crowds of people gathered around to see Him.

We call this day Palm Sunday because the people grabbed palm branches and laid them on the ground as Jesus passed by. It would be like someone today riding into town in a brand-new convertible or a limo. They shouted, “Hosanna!”—which means “Praise God!” Everyone gave thanks to God that Jesus had arrived, because they believed He was the promised Savior they had been waiting for.

When we celebrate Palm Sunday, we also celebrate that Jesus came for us. Hosanna! Jesus changes everything!

Challenge: Today, write a prayer of praise to Jesus. Write down some things you love about Him, and take time to thank Him.

Take it deeper: Tell someone what you’re thankful for about Jesus. Share with your family and friends ways you’ve seen Jesus show up in your life today.