The Significance of Palm Sunday
6 April 2022 Hits:3859
Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event so significant that it’s recorded across all four gospels.
The Background
Lazarus was recently brought back to life, so five days before Jesus’ crucifixion, on the eve of Palm Sunday, Jesus shared a celebratory meal with Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. During dinner, Mary anointed Jesus with perfume, filling the house with aroma and provoking strong reactions.
As Jesus’ popularity increased after Lazarus’ resurrection, religious leaders grew more jealous, eager to oppose Him, and even tried to kill Lazarus because many Jews believed in Jesus because of him. I wonder how Lazarus felt—having been brought back to life, only to find his life under threat.
Stop the donkey!
Early on Palm Sunday, Jesus sent two disciples to a village to fetch a donkey and its colt. Jesus was the first to ride the young colt. After he rode into Jerusalem, both animals were returned to their owner.
This act was significant: officials rode donkeys for civil, not military, parades—armies used horses and chariots. So, Jesus’ choice to ride a young donkey carried deep symbolic meaning.
Unrealistic Expectations
Palm Sunday falls five days before Passover, the Jewish feast celebrating God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The crowd expected Jesus to lead them against the Romans and to bring salvation to Israel as Moses did.
The excitement was clear. As the crowd paid royal homage to King Jesus by laying garments, waving, and scattering palm branches, they also sang words from The Great Hallel, Psalms of praise (111-118) commonly used at Passover.
Hosanna!
Lord, grant us success!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
From the house of the Lord, we bless you.
The Lord is God,
And he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar. (Psalm 118:25-27)
In proclaiming these praises, it’s important to understand that Hosanna means “save now” or “save, I beg you.” The people weren’t just celebrating—they were proclaiming Jesus as king and trying to force his hand to overthrow Rome and establish the kingdom of God.
Another Kingdom
However, Jesus had already taught that His kingdom was not of this world. Salvation would not come through military strength, political influence, or geographical location, but from within—changing the heart. This had been Jesus’ mission from the outset: to preach good news to the poor, proclaim liberty for prisoners, recover sight for the blind, set the oppressed free, and announce the year of the Lord’s favour. (Luke 4:18-19).
Many in Israel missed the Messiah because he delivered an unexpected message. This still happens today when we look for a Saviour made in our image rather than recognising Jesus’ true identity.
- A Deliverer who will promptly meet all my needs.
- A Messiah who supports a particular political party.
- A defender who backs MY opinion on every subject.
- A Champion who has nothing to do with certain types of people.
If you are looking for Jesus to be any of these things, you’ll be very disappointed.
I encourage you to revisit this remarkable story with fresh eyes. The heart of Palm Sunday is to recognise Jesus for who he truly is, not for what we expect of him. Resist redefining the Messiah to fit your desires; seek to know him as he is.
(Updated: 23 March, 2026)
Rob Buckingham
Senior Minister
