Palm Sunday in Jerusalem - April 9, 2006

Never have I been in such a procession of Christians! Palm Sunday was a remarkable experience in Jerusalem. From around the city and the outlying areas Christians gathered in the village of Bethphage which is located in east Jerusalem beyond the Mount of Olives. Bethphage was the starting point for Jesus' ride into Jerusalem. From this small village Jesus sent his discples to fetch a donkey (colt) for him to make the ride to the Mount of Olives, down into the Kidron Valley and across to the city of Jerusalem via the Lion's Gate.

I gathered with the congregation of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for morning worship followed by lunch. Then together we made the trek to Bethphage. The day was hot and the sun was harsh. At lunch I met David, born a Jew in Jerusalem to Jewish parents from Iraq and Afghanistan. This was David's first Palm Sunday processional.... a little unusual for a Jewish person to be in this procession for certain. But David is curious about the Christian faith and as we walked he had many questions about Palm Sunday and Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter. So we talked as we walked. Telling David the stories of Jesus made this walk all the more amazing for me. I felt the spirit of Christ to be close, deep and rich.

Below you we see some of the images from the Palm Sunday procession from Bethphage to Jerusalem. It was never really solemn. People were joyful and it became a real lively and upbeat gathering as we reached our destination.