Wednesday Word
From Palms to the Cross
Wednesday March 25, 2026
Scripture: 1 John 4:9–10, Romans 5:8
Reflection: Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday just as Christians have for 1993 years. Waving branches, shouting Hosanna and celebrating the arrival of Jesus.But as Holy Week moves forward the celebration begins to feel different.Because we know where the road leads.
Jesus didn’t enter Jerusalem unaware. He knew the cheers would fade and the crowd would turn. He knew the cross was coming. And still, He kept going. That’s what makes the cross so powerful to me. It wasn’t reaction, it was intention. It wasn’t forced, it was chosen. It wasn’t earned, it was freely given as an act of love. The Scripture readings for today remind us: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us” and “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This means the cross isn’t about God finally deciding to love us. It’s about God showing us that He always has.
Friends we live in the space between palms and the cross more than we realize. We begin things with excitement, our faith feels strong, hope feels alive. But then life happens.
The hard conversation, the unexpected setback or the struggle that doesn’t go away. And suddenly, the load feels heavier, the road seems longer. But here’s the good news. Jesus walks that road too. He knows what it is to keep going when it’s hard. To love when it costs something. To trust God when the outcome isn’t easy.
Friends, don’t rush past the cross. Sit with it. Let it remind you that You are loved and not because you got everything right but because God chose to love you first. And let that love begin to help you Choose grace when it’s easier to react, stay when it’s easier to walk away Consider This:
- Where am I experiencing the tension between celebration and struggle right now?
- What expectations do I need to release so I can trust God more fully?
Prayer: Lord Jesus,You walked the road to the cross knowing exactly what it would cost.
And still, You chose love. Help me to trust You when the road feels uncertain. Help me to follow You not just in moments of celebration but in moments that require faith. Remind me that I am deeply loved and shape my life so that others can see that love through me.
Amen