“The people wanted a Messiah who would rescue them from Rome, but Jesus came to rescue them from sin.” – John MacArthur
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time when Christians around the world remember the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. At first glance, it seems like a day of joy and celebration. Crowds gather. Palms wave. People shout, “Hosanna!” But under the surface, something deeper is unfolding—a drama of divine purpose, of mistaken expectations, and of a King who chooses the path of suffering love.
The Unexpected Entrance
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was deliberate and prophetic. He rides in not on a warhorse, but on a donkey—fulfilling Zechariah 9:9:
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey…”
In this single act, Jesus declares what kind of King He is. Not the conqueror of Rome, but the Saviour of souls. Not a warrior bearing weapons, but the Lamb of God, bearing the sins of the world.
As Bible scholar Craig Keener notes:
“Jesus deliberately identifies himself with the messianic King of peace, not a political liberator. His is a kingdom of self-giving love.”
The Cry of “Hosanna!”
The people cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9), a loaded phrase. “Hosanna” is both a shout of praise and a plea for rescue. It means, “Save us, we pray”. They welcomed Him as a liberator—but not from what He truly came to deliver them.
They wanted freedom from Caesar. Jesus came to bring freedom from sin.
They wanted a change of government. Jesus came to change hearts.
Palm Branches and Heavy Hearts
Palm branches were symbols of victory and nationalism. The people thought they were part of a parade to coronate a military hero. But Jesus knew where the road would lead—not to a throne, but to a cross.
Luke’s Gospel tells us:
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.” – Luke 19:41
Jesus wept, even as the crowd cheered. He knew how quickly “Hosanna!” would turn to “Crucify Him!” He knew the same city that welcomed Him would soon reject Him.
What Palm Sunday Teaches Us Today
Palm Sunday invites us to wrestle with our expectations of God. Like the crowd, we may want quick fixes and outward change. But Jesus comes to do a deeper work in our souls. He still comes, not with spectacle, but with quiet authority. Not with domination, but with compassion.
As Tim Keller puts it:
“Jesus rode into Jerusalem not to crush His enemies, but to be crushed for them.”
— Tim Keller, King’s Cross
Lay Down Your Cloak
The people laid down cloaks as Jesus passed by. Today, we’re invited to do the same—not just physically, but spiritually.
What burdens, pride, or assumptions must we lay at His feet?
What “palms” can we wave—not to demand our own way, but to honor the one who gave Himself up for us?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, as You once entered Jerusalem, so now enter our hearts afresh. Strip away our pride and false expectations. Teach us to welcome You not only in celebration but also in surrender. May we walk with You, not just on the road of praise, but even through the valley of the cross. Amen.
