Palm Sunday 2024: A Day of Triumph
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | March 24, 2024
Turn to Matthew 21, verses 1-11, for our Palm Sunday message titled “A Day of Triumph.” Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this great Palm Sunday service—Sunday school, choir, children’s songs, and the story of Jesus’ triumph. Save souls, draw them to faith, and help me preach, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
In Matthew 21:1-11, Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s 550-year-old prophecy. Crowds lay garments and palm branches before Him, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!” The city buzzes, asking, “Who is this?” The answer: “Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth.” Pastor Rains paints a vivid scene of excitement and anticipation, urging us to see its relevance today. This Palm Sunday 2024, we find three timeless truths: something to be excited about, a service that’s eternal, and sayings that still need to be heard.
Something to Be Excited About
“Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass” (v. 5). The triumphal entry electrified Jerusalem—prophecy unfolded as Jesus rode in, heralded by hosannas. Pastor Rains reflects on that charged atmosphere but insists we, too, have reason for excitement. Our past brims with God’s presence—doors opened, thousands saved over 45 years at Mission Baptist Church. Our present thrills with Christ working through us, especially in recent soul-winning surges. Our future promises more, as God’s plan unfolds. Wave those palm branches—today’s prophecies are coming true before our eyes, and our King remains eternal, immortal, worthy of praise!
A Service That’s Eternal
“Go into the village… ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt… bring them unto me” (v. 2). Jesus sent disciples to fetch donkeys, a humble service with eternal impact. Pastor Rains imagines descendants boasting, “My granddad got that donkey for Jesus!” Our service today—singing, preaching, raising kids in faith—echoes beyond the grave. He recalls his grandson Ray, singing on Palm Sunday, a memory that will shape generations. Unlike worldly achievements left behind, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… their works do follow them” (Rev. 14:13). Offer your “donkey”—your time, talents, anything—for Christ’s eternal cause.
Sayings That Still Need to Be Heard
“Hosanna to the Son of David… Hosanna in the highest” (v. 9). The multitudes’ cries—“Save now!”—shifted from prayer to praise, proclaiming Jesus as Messiah and King. Pastor Rains urges us to keep shouting this message. The world needs our songs, our witness—whether through choir, preaching, or greeting strangers at 7595 Montgomery Road. He celebrates the church’s talent, saying, “If I didn’t like the preaching, I’d go for the singing!” Young and old alike must step up, shake off the devil, and declare, “God’s been good—I’ll serve Him.” Tell your community, your family—there’s a Savior, and His kingdom is coming.