When We Miss the Point: Lessons from Palm Sunday

Apr 14

Have you ever been so focused on one thing that you completely missed something more important happening right in front of you? It's a common human experience, and as it turns out, it's exactly what happened on the very first Palm Sunday.

The Headline That Missed the Mark

Let me tell you a story that perfectly illustrates this point. In December 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved one of the most significant breakthroughs in human history – the first powered, controlled flight. Excited about their success, they sent a telegram to their sister Katherine, which read: "We flew 120ft today. We'll be home for Christmas."

Katherine, overjoyed, shared this news with their local newspaper editor. But here's where things went sideways. The editor, presented with news that would change the course of human history, ran the following headline: "Wright Brothers will be home for Christmas."

Can you believe it? This editor had all the information right in front of him, but he completely missed the point. He was so focused on the minor detail of the Wright brothers' holiday plans that he overlooked the earth-shattering news of human flight.

Palm Sunday: A Celebration That Missed the Mark

As we approach Easter, it's worth reflecting on how this same phenomenon played out on the very first Palm Sunday. In Matthew 21, we read about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowds were ecstatic, laying down their garments and waving palm branches. They shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" (Matthew 21:9)

But here's the thing – just like that newspaper editor, they were missing the bigger picture. They saw Jesus as a conquering hero, someone who would overthrow the Roman oppressors and restore Israel to its former glory. But that wasn't Jesus' purpose at all.

What Jesus Really Came to Do

"Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life to redeem many people" (Matthew 20:28). The people wanted a political savior, but Jesus came to be a spiritual one. They wanted freedom from Rome, but Jesus offered freedom from sin.

This misunderstanding is a powerful reminder for us today. How often do we project our own desires onto Jesus? We want Him to fix our problems, make us successful, or affirm our choices. But that's not what Jesus is about.

Adjusting Our Perspective

So, what should we do with this realization? Here are three key takeaways

1. For long-time believers: Ask yourself, what are you truly willing to lay down your garments and wave palm branches for? Is it just for your favorite sports team or political candidate? Or is it for Jesus and His kingdom?

2. For new believers: This is a perfect opportunity to orient your life around Jesus from the start. As I said in the sermon, "You make this one decision and it changes everything. You put Jesus first."

3. For those still exploring faith: Don't wait for perfection. As I mentioned, "Begin before perfection, because I can assure you of this: You will never have all the answers." Take that first step, even with your questions and doubts.

Putting It Into Practice

As we approach Easter, let's challenge ourselves to see Jesus for who He truly is, not just who we want Him to be. Here are some practical steps:

1. Reflect on your expectations of Jesus. Are they aligned with His true purpose?

2. Look for opportunities to serve others, just as Jesus came to serve.

3. Consider taking a bold step of faith, like being baptized or committing to follow Jesus more closely.

Remember, the reality is you're never gonna have all the answers. But that shouldn't stop us from saying yes to Jesus and allowing our relationship with Him to grow and deepen over time.

This Palm Sunday, let's not be like the crowd that missed the point. Instead, let's open our hearts to the true King who came not to conquer, but to serve and save. As we prepare for Easter, may we be ready to celebrate the resurrection with a clearer understanding of who Jesus is and what He came to do.

Ryan Schreckenghaust

My name is Ryan Schreckenghaust and I’m the Lead Pastor at The Summit Church. Lee’s Summit is my hometown and I love connecting with people to tell them about who Jesus is.

I am a graduate of William Jewell College and, after changing my major countless times, felt God’s nudge to invest my life in the work of the local church. I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Psychology. I then attended Rockbridge Seminary where I earned the Master of Ministry Leadership degree.

I was licensed to the Gospel Ministry in 2003, ordained as a Pastor/Elder in 2013, licensed as Local Church Pastor in the United Methodist Church in 2019, and completed the United Methodist Course of Study in 2021.

I have worked at several churches over the last 20 years where I served in roles such as Student Ministry Pastor, Creative Arts Pastor, and Executive Pastor. I’ve also worked professionally as a social media strategist in the marketing department at a Fortune 500 company.

I’ve been married to my wife Rebekah for more than 20 years. Rebekah is a school counselor at a local middle school. Together we have two boys, Jackson and Camden, and a Weimaraner named Poppy. I love time with my family, reading and watching my favorite sports teams!