Palm Sunday: The Coming of Our King

The Triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the King of Israel!’” – John 12:13 (NIV)

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a powerful time in the Christian calendar when we remember the final days of Jesus on earth before His crucifixion and resurrection. It commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, a moment of prophetic fulfillment and deep spiritual significance.

A King Like No Other

Jesus entered Jerusalem not on a warhorse, but on a young donkey—a symbol of humility, peace, and fulfillment of prophecy:

“Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: ‘Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.’” – John 12:14–15 (cf. Zechariah 9:9)

The people recognized something extraordinary about Jesus. They waved palm branches—symbols of victory and celebration—and shouted:

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” – Matthew 21:9“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” – Mark 11:10

They were welcoming a king, though many misunderstood the nature of His kingdom. Jesus did not come to overthrow Rome but to conquer something far greater—sin and death.

From Triumph to Trial

But just days later, the same crowd that shouted “Hosanna” would cry out:

“Crucify Him!” – Matthew 27:22–23

This drastic shift reveals something sobering about the human heart. One moment we celebrate God’s goodness, and the next we can turn away when things don't go our way. Palm Sunday reminds us of how fickle public opinion can be—but also how faithful Jesus remained to His mission.

Jesus' journey to the cross was not a failure; it was God's perfect plan unfolding.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45“This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge…” – Acts 2:23

The Deeper Meaning of Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is a day of celebration but also of reflection. It reminds us that Jesus is not only the King who was welcomed into Jerusalem but also the King who reigns eternally.

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever…” – Hebrews 1:8“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” – Revelation 19:16

His triumphal entry was just a glimpse of the greater victory that would come through the cross and the empty tomb.

Hosanna in the Highest!

The word Hosanna means "save now!" It was a cry for salvation—and Jesus answered that cry not with political power but with sacrificial love.

“He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:8“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21

Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we can boldly declare, "We are free. We are forgiven. We are His.

A Foretaste of Eternal Worship

Palm Sunday also points us forward—to the eternal worship that will take place in heaven.

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude… They were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God… and to the Lamb!’” – Revelation 7:9–10

One day, all who follow Jesus will join that great crowd, waving palm branches again—not just in memory of the King who came—but in celebration of the King who reigns forever.

Reflection

As we celebrate Palm Sunday:

• Let us welcome Jesus into our hearts daily—not just with words, but with lives that reflect His love and truth.

• Let us not be like the crowd who praised Him one day and rejected Him the next.

• Let us remember that His path of humility led to our salvation.

• And let us look forward to the day when every nation and tongue will shout: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

  
  

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we welcome You as our King. Thank You for coming to save us—not with force, but with love. Help us to honor You not only on Palm Sunday, but every day. Keep our hearts faithful, and prepare us for the eternal celebration in Your kingdom.Hosanna in the highest! Amen.