As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a humble donkey, the crowd’s cheers filled the air. “Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” they shouted, waving palm branches and laying their cloaks along His path. It was a moment of celebration—a king entering His city. But Jesus knew the road ahead was not to a throne, but to a cross.
Palm Sunday begins what Christians have long called Passion Week, the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. And at the heart of this week lies one powerful, difficult word: sacrifice.
The concept of sacrifice surfaces in our lives every day. Parents give up sleep for crying babies. Athletes train when no one is watching. Workers delay pleasure now to save for retirement later. Sacrifice is part of loving, achieving, and growing.
But what happens when God asks us to sacrifice for Him?
Abraham faced this very question when God told him to offer his beloved son Isaac (Genesis 22). It was a command that made no sense. Theologically, emotionally, relationally—it was a storm of contradictions. Yet Abraham obeyed. He climbed that mountain, knife in hand, believing—somehow—that God would provide. And God did. At the very last moment, Abraham saw what he hadn’t seen before: a ram in the thicket. Jehovah Jireh was there, a name for God that means “The Lord will provide.”
What if Abraham had only gone halfway? He would have missed the miracle.
Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus didn’t go halfway. He knew the cross was ahead. He knew the people cheering would soon be shouting, “Crucify Him!” But He went all the way—into Jerusalem, onto the cross, and into the grave—because you were worth it to Him.
The Apostle Paul tells us that Christ “offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time” (Hebrews 10:12, NLT). This was no ordinary act of obedience. It was the once-for-all offering that made salvation possible. His death brings us peace. His resurrection brings us life. Death dies. And Jesus reigns victoriously.
So, what is our response?
Romans 12:1 says, “Give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice.” Jesus gave everything for us. Now, we lay down our “Isaacs”—the things we grip most tightly—and say, “Lord, I trust You more.”
This week, consider what God may be calling you to surrender. Is it a fear? A dream? A comfort? Remember, sacrifice isn’t loss when it’s offered in faith. It’s the doorway to provision, peace, and resurrection power. Let this Holy Week draw your heart closer to the Savior who gave everything so you could gain everything.