A Sign of Victory

Sunday, April 14, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

John 12:12–12

From ancient times, the palm tree was a symbol of victory. In Greek mythology, Nike, the goddess of victory, was often pictured with a palm tree. In Rome, returning generals who had won a great victory were given a parade known as a triumph. According to the Roman poet Martial, whose writings give us much of what we know about life there, those conquering heroes who had already received this honor once were given a special distinction for a second triumph. The toga palmata was a robe decorated with palm branches. Combining the symbols for victory and peace indicated that the victor was ready to lay down his weapons and enjoy the fruits of his triumph.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He was greeted with palm branches and hailed as a king. Though He had not yet gone to the cross and risen from the grave as evidence of His complete victory over Satan, it was only fitting for Jesus to be honored and recognized in this way. He is our eternal Saviour, and He alone deserves our praise and honor. This was just as true before the crucifixion as it was after it. And for eternity in Heaven, we will be praising our triumphant Lord. “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Revelation 5:12). But this praise is not meant to be for the future—our lives today should be filled with praise for Jesus. His victory gives us our assurance of a peaceful eternity with Him.

Today's Growth Principle: 

Jesus is the victor over sin and death and the grave, and He is triumphant forever.