Palm Sunday - Linda Bailey
On Sunday Linda shared a message based upon Palm Sunday. Below you’ll find video and audio recordings of her message as well as some small group discussion questions.
A Palm Sunday Reflection from Linda Bailey
On Palm Sunday, Associate Minister Linda Bailey brought a timely and powerful message to the One Church Blackburn community—a call to reflect on Jesus’ kingship in our lives, especially as the world around us is filled with political noise and promises.
Linda opened with humour, joking that she might run for Prime Minister—though she quickly confessed she had little political ambition. Her light-hearted start transitioned into a profound observation: Palm Sunday is Jesus' campaign launch. Not for a political seat, but for the hearts of people. It’s the moment Jesus made his kingship public—declaring himself as King, not through policy speeches or campaign slogans, but by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey.
Jesus Breaks the Silence
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often told people to keep his identity quiet. Whether it was after performing miracles or responding to Peter’s declaration that he was the Messiah, Jesus was discreet. But Palm Sunday marked a turning point. On this day, he chose to make a public statement by fulfilling a specific Old Testament prophecy from Zechariah 9:9:
"See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey..."
Jesus didn’t need a donkey. He had walked countless miles before. But this moment was symbolic. He orchestrated every part of it—sending disciples ahead to find the colt. As theologian D.A. Carson puts it, this ride was “an acted parable,” a visible proclamation of who he was: the long-awaited King.
A Cry for Victory and Change
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, people lined the streets waving palm branches—symbols of victory. They were crying out “Hosanna!”, a word that means “Lord, save us.” These weren’t just cheers of praise; they were cries of desperation. The people were oppressed, longing for political liberation, and they placed their hopes in Jesus. They saw in him a redeemer, a miracle-worker, a leader who might change everything.
And yet, only five days later, their shouts of “Hosanna!” turned to “Crucify him!” Jesus had not met their expectations for the kind of king they wanted. He hadn’t led a revolt or toppled their oppressors. Instead, he came not to overthrow Rome, but to overthrow sin. Not to rule by power, but to save through suffering.
A Bigger Kingdom, A Deeper Victory
Linda compared the crowd’s expectation of a “Luna Park” king (something fun, exciting, and immediate) to Jesus’ actual mission—a “Disneyland” scale plan that was far bigger and better than anyone imagined. The people wanted relief from present pain; Jesus came to bring eternal salvation.
And he still does.
He came with full knowledge that the path to victory would lead through a cross. Jesus didn't come with an army. He came with grace. He didn’t come to gain political power, but to offer a spiritual kingdom that includes all people, in all times and places—including us.
Living Like We’ve Voted for Jesus
Linda closed with a challenge: who are we voting for—daily?
Because while Jesus seeks our praise on Sunday, he also wants our allegiance on Monday morning. In our conversations, our priorities, our finances, and our choices—do we live like we’ve placed Jesus on the throne of our lives?
She shared a personal story about someone she met at her fitness class—a woman who radiated positivity, kindness, and humility. Only later did Linda discover she was a Christian. And in that moment, she was proud. Here was someone who had clearly cast her vote for Jesus with her whole life.
The same question is for us: Can others see who we’ve voted for?
Small Group Discussion Questions
Whether you’re reflecting on your own or discussing with others in a small group, these questions will help you go deeper:
What does it mean for you personally to declare Jesus as King?
Can you think of a time when your expectations of God didn’t match what actually happened? How did you respond?
Jesus rode in on a donkey—not a warhorse. What does this say about the kind of king he is?
What “Hosanna” cries—pleas for help—do you find yourself making today?
Are there areas of your life where you find it hard to let Jesus be king? What might it look like to surrender those?
What other things in life compete for your loyalty or “vote”?
Who in your life shows you what it looks like to live with Jesus as King? What stands out about their life?
What might change in your week if you began each day with the declaration: “Jesus, I place you on the throne of my life today”?