Sunday Summary: Palm Sunday

On Palm Sunday, we celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection. Often referred to as "Passion Sunday," this marks the beginning of Holy Week, which concludes on Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to observe Passover. The gospel records the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, while the crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the street and shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" to honor him as their long-awaited Messiah and King.

The significance of Jesus riding a donkey and having his way paved with palm branches is a fulfillment of a prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9). In biblical times, the custom was for kings and nobles to arrive in procession on the backs of donkeys.

The donkey was a symbol of peace; those who rode upon them proclaimed peaceful intentions. The laying of palm branches indicated that the king or dignitary was arriving in victory or triumph.

Throughout Jesus’ three-year ministry, he downplayed his role as Messiah and sometimes even told people whom he healed not to say anything about the miracle to others. Palm Sunday is the one exception in which his followers loudly proclaimed his glory to all.

In the simplest of terms, Palm Sunday is an occasion for reflecting on the final week of Jesus' life.

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger