What is PALM SUNDAY? BONUS: The Passion Story Told Through Film

Palm Sunday: The King Who Came in Humility

Every year as we approach Easter, there is a moment that feels both triumphant and sobering. It’s the day we call Palm Sunday—the day Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of praise, waving branches, and cries of

“Hosanna!”

In 2026, Palm Sunday falls on March 29. One week later, on April 5, 2026, we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of what Christians traditionally call Holy Week—the final week of Christ’s earthly ministry leading to the cross and the empty tomb.

For me, Palm Sunday is not just a historical marker on the church calendar. It is a powerful reminder of who Jesus is, what kind of King He is, and how quickly human praise can turn.

The Biblical Account: The Triumphal Entry

All four Gospels record Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem:

• Matthew 21:1–11
• Mark 11:1–11
• Luke 19:28–44
• John 12:12–19

That alone tells us something important. When all four Gospel writers include an event, we should pay attention.

The Prophecy Fulfilled

Palm Sunday is not random. It is prophetic.

“This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
‘Say to the daughter of Zion,
“Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.”’”

— Matthew 21:4–5 (ESV)

This is a direct reference to Zechariah:

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

— Zechariah 9:9 (ESV)

For centuries, Israel had been waiting for her King. And here He was—not riding a war horse, not entering as a conquering
political revolutionary—but on a donkey.

In the ancient world, kings rode horses in times of war and donkeys in times of peace. Jesus was making a statement without
shouting. He was declaring His kingship—but also declaring the nature of His kingdom.

“Hosanna!” — The Cry of the Crowd

“So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out,
‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’”

— John 12:13 (ESV)

The word Hosanna means “Save us, we pray.” It comes from Psalm 118:

“Save us, we pray, O LORD!
O LORD, we pray, give us success!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!”

— Psalm 118:25–26 (ESV)

Palm branches symbolized victory and national hope. The people believed they were welcoming the Messiah—the deliverer who would
overthrow Roman oppression and restore Israel’s glory. But they wanted a political savior. Jesus came as a suffering servant.

The Humility of the King

As Jesus approached the city:

“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying,
‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.’”

— Luke 19:41–42 (ESV)

While the crowds celebrated, Jesus wept. He knew many of the same voices shouting “Hosanna!” would soon shout “Crucify him!”
Palm Sunday is triumphant—but it is also tragic.

Why We Observe Palm Sunday

1) It Declares Jesus as King

He intentionally fulfilled prophecy. He accepted public praise. He was not hiding who He was.
Palm Sunday reminds me that Jesus is not just Savior—He is King. 👑

2) It Reveals the Nature of His Kingdom

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

— Mark 10:45 (ESV)

His kingdom is built on sacrifice and truth. Palm Sunday shows us that God’s power does not look like worldly power.

3) It Exposes the Fickleness of the Human Heart

The same city that welcomed Him would soon demand His execution. Palm Sunday challenges me to confront:

Am I praising Jesus only when He fits my expectations?  Am I recognizing His true glory?

4) It Begins Holy Week

During holy week, we celebrate the passion narrative; that is the story of Christ’s walk toward the Cross to save mankind from Sin and Death.  Enjoy these clips of various media that brings the Passion narrative to life, and wonder at the glory of the Son of Man through artful representation:

• The cleansing of the temple

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKZiHoSsnfQ?si=ZVLiiFmLMa647jSX&w=560&h=315]