Palm Sunday marks the moment when the Son of God entered Jerusalem in triumph riding on the back of a donkey while crowds paid homage to him.
Christians believe it was a week before his death and resurrection. This day falls on April 9 this year. To many, it is the most solemn time on the Christian calendar after Christmas and Easter.
The name Palm Sunday comes from the palm branches that people laid down in Jesus’ path as he rode into Jerusalem on the donkey. (Matthew 21:1-11)
Palm branches are a widely recognised symbol of peace and victory, and in Biblical times were often thrown before the feet of a conquering hero in homage. When Jesus arrived in the Holy City, the Gospel writers said the crowds lay palm branches and clothes at his feet to honour him.
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).
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!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey was a symbol of peace; those who rode upon them proclaimed peaceful intentions.
On the heels of Palm Sunday, as we begin this Holy Week, may we constantly be reminded of its significance and value for our lives today. That very important day in history, when Jesus began His journey towards the cross.
Let’s choose to focus on worshiping our Lord, thanking Him for the gift of His sacrifice, celebrating the power of the Resurrection, and the new life found in Him alone.
In parts of the world where palm trees don’t grow, flowers or olive branches are used instead.
aaron@ugchristiannews.com.
