Let's talk about Palm Sunday, a super important day observed on the Sunday right before Easter, which kicks off what we call Holy Week – the most sacred week in the Christian calendar. It’s a day packed with excitement, celebration, and also a hint of sadness for what's to come.
Jesus is approaching the great city of Jerusalem, and the news has spread like wildfire that He's coming! This isn't just any ordinary arrival. Jesus chooses to ride into the city not on a grand warhorse, like a conquering military king, but on a humble donkey. This choice was a very deliberate action, fulfilling an ancient prophecy from the Old Testament (Zechariah 9:9), which said that their King would come humbly, riding on a donkey. It showed that Jesus' kingship wasn't about earthly power or military might.
As Jesus rode along, massive crowds surged forward, filled with incredible excitement and joy. They enthusiastically welcomed Him as the long-awaited Messiah (their promised Savior and King). To show Him immense honor, people began to lay their cloaks (their outer garments) on the road for the donkey to walk over, a special gesture reserved for royalty. Others waved palm branches, which were symbols of victory and celebration, like waving flags or confetti at a parade today. The air was filled with triumphant shouts of "Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna" basically means "Save us now!" or "Praise!" It was a vibrant, joyful, and loud display of popular adoration, truly making it a "triumphal entry."
But here's the powerful and a little bit sad part, what we call the inherent paradox (meaning a situation that seems contradictory but is true) of Palm Sunday: it’s a day of huge celebration, but it also foreshadows (hints at what's coming) Jesus' suffering. Those beautiful, victorious palm branches, waving triumphantly in the air, would tragically very soon be exchanged for the rough, splintery wood of the cross. The very crowds cheering "Hosanna!" would, just a few days later, be shouting "Crucify him!" This helps us reflect on how fickle (easily changeable) crowds and popular opinion can be. One minute, they're cheering you as a hero; the next, they can turn against you.
Palm Sunday challenges us to think about the authentic meaning of Christ's kingship. It's not about earthly power, ruling over armies, or living in fancy palaces. Instead, Jesus' kingship is defined by humble service (like riding that donkey, coming to serve, not be served) and sacrificial love (being willing to suffer and die for others, even His enemies). He is a King who leads by loving and giving everything. This day really challenges us, as believers, to go beyond just superficial enthusiasm – meaning, not just cheering for Jesus when it's easy or popular. Instead, we are called to develop a deep, lasting commitment to Him, a readiness to follow Jesus not only in moments of triumph and joy, but also through trials, difficulties, and even profound suffering. It means truly acknowledging Him as our King, even when doing so is unpopular, hard, or "costly" (meaning it requires sacrifice or makes our lives more difficult).
Scripture Passages:
Matthew 21:8-9: "A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!'"
Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey."
Luke 19:41-42: "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.'"
Reflection Questions:
What is the significance of Jesus riding a donkey, rather than a warhorse, into Jerusalem?
How does the crowd's shifting loyalty from praise to condemnation serve as a warning for us?
What does "Hosanna" mean, and what was its original context?
How is the kingship of Jesus very different from what we often think power of kingship is all about?
Multiple Choice Questions:
According to the text, why did Jesus choose to ride into Jerusalem on a humble donkey?
a) He was too tired to walk.
b) It was the only animal available.
c) It was a deliberate action to fulfill an ancient prophecy and show His kingship was not about earthly power.
d) It was a tradition for all prophets to ride a donkey.
What did the crowds do to show honor to Jesus during His entry into Jerusalem?
a) They gave Him expensive gifts.
b) They built a new temple for Him.
c) They laid their cloaks and palm branches on the road.
d) They asked Him to lead their army into battle.
The text explains that the word "Hosanna" shouted by the crowds means:
a) "We are the true kings!"
b) "Glory to God!"
c) "Let's go to war!"
d) "Save us now!" or "Praise!"
What is the "inherent paradox" of Palm Sunday, as described in the summary?
a) It is a day of celebration that also foreshadows Jesus' suffering and death.
b) It is a quiet day of prayer that is followed by a week of celebration.
c) It is a day of sadness that ends with a huge party.
d) It is a day when everyone gets to ride a donkey.
How is Jesus' kingship defined, according to the final paragraph?
a) By leading armies and winning battles.
b) By living in a fancy palace and being served by others.
c) By humble service and sacrificial love, being willing to suffer and die for others.
d) By making sure everyone is wealthy and powerful.