John 12:12-26

Jesus enters triumphantly into Jerusalem, amidst the crowds waving palm branches with joy. He comes with the determination to offer Himself as the Lamb of God, sacrificed to redeem us from our sins.

"Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion, shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king shall come to you; a just savior is he, meek, and riding on an ass, on a colt, the foal of an ass." (1)

A Grain Of Wheat

Jesus entered Jerusalem
The crowds cut palm branches and waved;
They welcomed Him, God's chosen Lamb:
"Hosanna to our king!", they raved.

Some Greeks asked: "We would like to see
Jesus." He knew His time was near;
"And soon, the Son of Man will be
Glorified", He said without fear.

"Unless a grain of wheat will fall
And die, it stays a grain of wheat;
But if it die, resigning all,
It will yield a harvest replete.

The one who lifts their life in Me,
Remains in Me, and disesteems
This life, will live eternally."
Self-sacrifice is what redeems.

The self that dies bears love and peace;
This is the cross by which wars cease.


May our Savior guide us in the ways of self-sacrifice that we may embrace the cross with all our heart.

1. Zechariah 9:9


(c) Paul Buis, 2005