Hope Is Rising: Triumphant Hope

Sometimes, We Can't Call It
There are moments in life when hope seems like a distant concept. We don't feel hopeful, we can't see hope in our suffering, and we struggle to anchor our hope or integrate it into our lives. These are the times when hope feels elusive, and we're left grappling with uncertainty.

Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry
Yet, as we approach Palm Sunday, we're reminded of a time when hope was not just a concept, but a tangible reality. The people of Jerusalem felt a surge of hope as Jesus made His triumphal entry into the city. They had a confident expectation that God's promises were about to be fulfilled, and they shouted praises, proclaiming "Hosanna" – a cry for salvation. They saw Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, the Messiah who had come to save them.

Zechariah 9:9 — Rejoice, O people of Zion!
    Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you.
    He is righteous and victorious,
yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—
    riding on a donkey’s colt.

Hope Had Arrived, But Not As Expected
However, the hope that arrived with Jesus was different from what they had anticipated. They expected a military savior, but Jesus came as a spiritual savior, offering a triumphant hope that was distinct from worldly expectations. He rode on a donkey, symbolizing peace and humility, rather than on a white horse as a conquering king.

Triumphant Hope in Christianity
For Christians, this story illustrates the nature of our hope – a triumphant hope that persists even when we can't see it. It's a hope that remains steadfast in the midst of suffering and is victorious over despair.

Hope in the Midst of Suffering
The story of Job in the Bible is a powerful example of triumphant hope. Despite immense suffering, Job maintained his hope in God, which was ultimately rewarded. Like Job, we are called to hold onto hope, even when faced with physical, emotional, or spiritual suffering.

Before Palm Sunday, key moments prepared Jesus for the suffering He would face. He raised Lazarus from the dead, symbolizing His power over death, and was anointed for His burial, foreshadowing His impending sacrifice. These acts of worship and preparation remind us that our hope is not in vain.

The Ascent to Jerusalem
Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was a literal ascent, from the low elevation of Jericho to the heights of the city. This physical journey mirrored the spiritual ascent of triumphant hope – a hope that rises above circumstances and reaches new heights.

The Path to the Cross
As Jesus crested the hill of the Mount of Olives, the stage was set for Holy Week. The same crowd that shouted praises would soon witness His suffering and death. Yet, this was not the end of the story.

Triumphant Hope: Victory Over Death
The true triumph of Palm Sunday lies in knowing the end of the story: the resurrection. Our hope is not just in a Messiah who suffers but in one who is victorious over sin and death. This triumphant hope is what we cling to, knowing that it will rise, just as Jesus rose from the grave.

A Call to Experience Holy Week
To fully grasp the joy of Easter, we must walk through the events of Holy Week. We must remember the Last Supper, witness hope hanging on a cross on Good Friday, and reflect on hope lying dead in the tomb on Holy Saturday. Only then can we truly celebrate the triumphant hope that Easter brings.

As we enter this Holy Week, let us embrace the journey of hope – from the triumphant entry of Palm Sunday to the resurrection on Easter. In the midst of our struggles and suffering, may we hold onto the triumphant hope that is ours in Christ Jesus.