Palm Sunday: Welcoming the King of Peace

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, known in Scripture as Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It is one of the few events in Jesus’ life recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 21:1–17; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:29–40; John 12:12–19), marking its deep significance—not only for those who witnessed it then, but for Christians throughout history.

Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. In doing so, He publicly declared Himself as Messiah and King of Israel, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy in Zechariah:

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” — Zechariah 9:9

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of what we call Passion Week—the final seven days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It is the beginning of the end: the journey that would lead Jesus to be handed over to the Roman authorities and crucified.

At that time, the disciples didn’t yet understand what lay ahead. Overjoyed, they cried out, “Hosanna! Hosanna to the King of Kings!” The crowds waved palm branches and laid their cloaks on the road, celebrating what they hoped would be a political revolution and the overthrow of Roman rule. But that moment of final victory would come later—when Jesus returns in glory to reclaim His throne in Jerusalem.

This time, Jesus had come to bring personal peace and restoration with God—a deeper, eternal victory.

As you drive to church this Sunday, you’ll notice palm leaves on our fence—a sign that we are celebrating all that Jesus has done in our lives and the peace He brings. In celebration, we will gather outside the church foyer and walk into the service together, rejoicing in this amazing grace. Grab a branch, sing out “Hosanna, Hosanna to the King of Kings!” and join the procession.

A Suggested Journey Through Holy Week:

Day 1 – Sunday, April 13:
Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem – Palm Sunday
(Zechariah 9:9–13; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–40; John 12:12–19)

Day 2 – Monday, April 14:
Jesus clears the temple
(Mark 11:15–22; Luke 19:45–48; John 2:12–25)

Day 3 – Tuesday, April 15:
Jesus teaches and avoids the Pharisees’ traps
(Matthew 21:20; Mark 11:20; Luke 20:36; John 12:20)

Day 4 – Wednesday, April 16:
Holy Wednesday – A quiet, reflective day

Day 5 – Thursday, April 17:
The Last Supper and Betrayal
(Matthew 21:1; Mark 14:1; Luke 22:1)

Day 6 – Friday, April 18:
Good Friday – The trials and crucifixion of Jesus
(Matthew 26:1; Mark 14:53; Luke 22:54; John 18:13)

Day 7 – Saturday, April 19:
Jesus lies in the tomb
(Matthew 27:66)

Day 8 – Sunday, April 20:
Easter Sunday – The Resurrection: He is Risen!
(Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1)