The Road to the Cross | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Humble Kingship and Saving Mission

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds cried out with palm branches in hand, expecting a king who would meet their hopes for power, victory, and restoration. But Jesus came not to meet their expectations—He came to meet their need. He came not to claim a throne of gold, but to walk the road to the cross.

These five devotions are meant to help you slow down, reflect, and prepare your heart as we move through Holy Week. Each reading draws from Scripture and themes in our Palm Sunday sermon, The King We Didn’t Expect, reminding us of the humility, mission, and glory of Jesus, our true King.

May this journey lead you to deeper worship and firmer faith in the One who came to save.

Day 1 – The King Who Comes in Humility

Reading: Zechariah 9:9
Reflection: Long before Jesus entered Jerusalem, the prophet Zechariah foretold the coming of a humble king riding on a donkey. This detail wasn't accidental—it was a divine declaration. Our Savior didn’t arrive with worldly power but with heavenly peace. He came not to dominate but to serve and save. His lowly arrival was the beginning of His exaltation.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for coming in humility to bring peace. Help me to walk humbly with You and to receive You not as I might expect but as You truly are—my Servant-King. Amen.

Day 2 – What Are You Expecting?

Reading: Isaiah 55:8–9
Reflection: God’s ways are not our ways. The crowd on Palm Sunday expected a political hero—but Jesus came to defeat a deeper enemy: sin. Sometimes, we expect Jesus to fix our circumstances when He wants to change our hearts. Are we willing to trust the King we didn’t expect but who came to meet our greatest need?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to let go of shallow expectations and trust Your better plan. Shape my hopes to align with Your will. Thank You for sending the Savior I genuinely need. Amen.

Day 3 – Seeing the Glory After the Cross

Reading: Philippians 2:5–11
Reflection: The disciples didn’t understand Jesus’ mission until after His resurrection. It was only after the suffering that the glory became clear. Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death—and God exalted Him. Our King now reigns, and every knee will bow. The path to glory still passes through the cross.
Prayer: Jesus, I praise You for enduring the cross to redeem me. Help me to follow You in humility and trust that Your glory will shine through every hardship. Amen.

Day 4 – Palm Branches and False Expectations

Reading: Psalm 118:25–26
Reflection: The crowd shouted, “Hosanna!” quoting Psalm 118, but their cry for salvation was focused on earthly deliverance. The King they welcomed wasn’t the one they wanted—but He was the One they needed. Scripture shapes our understanding of Jesus; we must not reshape Him to suit ourselves.
Prayer: Lord, let my expectations be shaped by Your Word. Save me not just from what troubles me but from what condemns me—my sin. Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.

Day 5 – Bow Before the King

Reading: Revelation 7:9–10
Reflection: Palm branches appear again—not in Jerusalem, but in heaven. The crowd isn’t crying out for political revolution but worshiping the Lamb who was slain. The King who rode the donkey is now enthroned forever. Palm Sunday points forward to that day. Will you be part of that worshiping multitude?
Prayer: Worthy are You, Lord Jesus, the Lamb who was slain. I long for the day when all nations will bow before You. Help me to live now in light of Your eternal reign. Amen.