PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for the mighty deeds they had seen. . . . Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." He said in reply, "I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!"
—LUKE 19:36–37, 39–40
The ecstatic joy of the people cannot be contained. The longed-for Messiah has come! Imagine their confusion and despair when the situation disintegrates into ultimate defeat: death on a cross. A king on a donkey they could accept. But a king in agony on a cross? How could God's triumph ever look like that? If there is agony or shame or sadness in your heart right now, imagine—God can use it as the ground of his glory.
