Daily devotion: Keep it simple!
Keep It Simple – Palm Sunday and the Cross
Next Sunday is Palm Sunday, and it remains one of my favourite church memories from when I was a young boy. I vividly recall the palm branches scattered around the church and the special little cross made from palm leaves we were each given. It was a small but powerful symbol that reminded us of the Cross of Christ, the very reason Jesus was riding into Jerusalem—that He might die for us.
The message of faith in Jesus Christ is a simple one.
Jesus, the Son of God, took on human flesh so He could die in our place—taking upon Himself our sin and paying our debt, something we could never do ourselves.
On that first Palm Sunday, He entered Jerusalem not as a political leader or military conqueror, but as the promised Messiah, just as the Old Testament prophets foretold. He was publicly revealed by the greatest of prophets, John the Baptist, who boldly declared:
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
Jesus would be arrested, beaten, and crucified. His lifeless body placed in a borrowed tomb. But three days later, He rose again in victory and later ascended into heaven—defeating sin and death for all who believe.
So why is it so hard for people to receive this beautiful gospel?
One reason is that the simplicity of the message has been buried under layers of theological complexity, speculations, and academic fog.
Another is that the modern church often resembles a theatre more than a house of worship—aiming to entertain rather than proclaim the truth.
And sadly, Scripture warns us that in the Last Days, people will seek out teachers who cater to their emotions and desires, rather than those who proclaim the soul-searching truth of God’s Word.
A Challenge for This Week
As we approach Easter, work at keeping the story simple. Don’t let it be lost in the noise of worldly philosophy or flashy presentations. The Gospel is powerful in its plainness.
Matthew 18:11 – For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
Let that be our message: Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. That’s the real reason He rode into Jerusalem on that blessed Palm Sunday.