Palm Sunday: What Jesus Gives
Scripture: Luke 7:11–17
On Palm Sunday, we often remember the crowd that gathered to celebrate Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem. But Pastor Will Langford took us to a lesser-known moment in Luke 7—a powerful encounter between Jesus and a grieving widow—to remind us of what Jesus truly gives.
In this moment, two crowds collide. One represents life: Jesus and His followers, full of hope and divine purpose. The other represents death: a funeral procession for a widow’s only son. What happens when these two worlds meet? Resurrection happens. Hope is restored. Life wins.
Jesus Gives His Heart
“When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her…” (Luke 7:13)
Jesus doesn’t ignore pain—He steps into it. He saw the widow’s brokenness and responded with compassion. His heart was fully present, overflowing with love and sympathy.
In a world that often offers conditional love, Jesus provides unmerited, unlimited, unconditional love. And that same heart is extended to you today—no matter where you are or what you’re going through.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Jesus Gives Hope
“...and He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’” (Luke 7:14)
This wasn’t just a miracle—it was a message. Jesus came to bring the dead to life. He raised the widow’s son, foreshadowing the resurrection that would later change the world forever—His own.
Our hope isn’t rooted in circumstances, but in a risen Savior. His resurrection is our certain, unassailable hope.
“Because He lives, we too shall live.”
Jesus Gives Help
“They glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has arisen among us!’ and ‘God has visited His people.’” (Luke 7:16)
That word “visited” also translates as “helped.” Jesus didn’t just show up—He brought help. Real help. Supernatural, life-changing help.
Through His Holy Spirit, Jesus equips us with the strength we need to walk through grief, hardship, and uncertainty. He reminds us that we were made for more—not to rely on human strategies, but to lean into divine strength.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you.” – Isaiah 41:10
Reflection & Discussion Questions
Which of the three gifts—Jesus’ heart, hope, or help—do you need most in this season?
Have you been trying to navigate life using your own strength rather than leaning into the Holy Spirit?
When was a time you encountered Jesus in a moment of deep need? How did He meet you there?
What does it mean to you that “you were made for more”?
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