Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent, and commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This event is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19), where Jesus rides into the city on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. The crowds greet Him with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna,” recognizing Him as the promised Messiah.

For Christians, Palm Sunday is a day of paradoxical emotions. It is a celebration of Jesus’ kingship, yet it also foreshadows His impending suffering and death. It represents the hope of salvation and the promise of eternal life through Jesus’ sacrifice. The palms symbolize victory and triumph, while the donkey signifies peace and humility, contrasting the expectations of a conquering hero with the reality of a servant king.

Palm Sunday is a reminder that hope is not found in earthly power but in spiritual fulfillment. It encourages believers to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice and to prepare their hearts for the sorrow of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday. It is a call to faithfulness and a promise of redemption.

As Christ rode in on the donkey- He knew what was to come. Yet, He entered willingly knowing that this was the final week before He hung on that cross for us. He chose to do this for us to wash us clean with His blood.

This crucial day, “Palm Sunday” which marks the beginning of the “end” of His mission here on earth, to fulfill the scriptures – for us, is still profoundly felt throughout the thousands of years by those of faith, as we prepare to “worship” and acknowledge Him in remembrance and devotion. Let us honor Him, love Him, and spend time reflecting upon His actions and what it means to us overall.

• How does Palm Sunday challenge our understanding of true leadership and victory?
• In what ways can we embrace humility and service in our own lives, following the example of Christ?
• How does the story of Palm Sunday inspire us to find hope in difficult times?

A Prayer for Palm Sunday:

“Dear Heavenly Father, on this Palm Sunday, we remember Your Son’s journey into Jerusalem. As the crowds laid down palm branches, we lay down our lives before You, seeking Your will and Your way. Teach us to follow in the footsteps of our humble King, to love as He loved and serve as He served. May the hope of His resurrection fill our hearts and renew our spirits. Guide us through this Holy Week with reflection and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made for our salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” 🌿