Knowledge to Ponder: John 12: 12-19
I went to church today feeling a little heavy.
As Lent comes to a close with Palm Sunday, I found myself wondering: Will I lose the closeness I built with God during this season?
I didn’t want it to end. You know that feeling when you’ve been dedicated to something, and you worry that once the commitment ends, you’ll slip back into old habits?
But my pastor said something today that completely shifted my perspective.
He called Lent a time of decision.
That phrase stopped me in my tracks.
A decision? For what?
Then it hit me: Palm Sunday itself is full of powerful decisions.
If you know the story, Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, welcomed by cheering crowds waving palm branches (John 12:12-19). But behind the celebration was a decision of unimaginable courage.
Jesus chose to enter Jerusalem — fully aware of what awaited Him.
He could have avoided the city altogether, but He faced His enemies, His fears, and His mission head-on.
Even in the garden, as He prayed in agony for the cup to pass from Him, He chose obedience. He chose us.
And let’s be real: fear was there.
Scripture tells us He prayed so fervently, He sweat drops of blood.
But He didn’t run. He stood firm. He embraced His purpose with unshakable courage.
Here’s where it gets personal:
The same crowd that cheered for Him as He arrived were likely the same voices condemning Him later.
They had a choice.
Follow Jesus or turn away at the critical moment.
Sadly, they chose wrong.
And we still do this today.
We turn our backs, we lose faith, we let fear dictate our choices — even though He already bore the weight of the cross for us.
The good news? We are Jerusalem today.
We have the same choices. And we can choose differently.
When life feels heavy, when battles seem impossible, remember:
➡️ Be like Jesus — face your fears with courage.
➡️ Stand firm in your assignment, even when it’s hard.
➡️ Believe that nothing is too difficult for God, and therefore nothing is too difficult for you.
Jesus faced the cross so that we would never have to face our own alone.
What a gift!
So I ask you:
Have you been feeling like giving up? Are your circumstances overwhelming you? Do you feel hopeless?
Let me remind you — God is with you. He sees you. He is working on your behalf, even when you don’t see it.
As we enter Passion Week, let’s renew our minds and make powerful decisions moving forward: 💛 Love yourself deeply.
💛 Love your neighbor without condition.
💛 Stop complaining and start living with gratitude.
💛 Put God first in all things.
💛 And above all — choose courage. Even when you’re scared, do it anyway.
You’ve got this. And more importantly, God’s got you.