The Mark of Triumph
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” – 2 Corinthians 2:14 Did you know that the tradition of palm branches on Palm Sunday actually originates with the Festival of Sukkot, also called the Festival of the Tabernacle or Booths? At this ancient celebration, which was probably the most popular among Jews in the first century, people would gather at the temple to raise palm branches and to pray for rain. As they lifted their boughs in the air, they would shout, “Hoshana, Hoshana, Hoshana,” which means “Lord, save us!” It’s not surprising, then, that this is how Jesus was greeted when He made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Because the people knew that this “Son of Man” was more than just another teacher, they were ready to see Him
