Week 6: Embracing the Paradox of Palm Sunday—A Journey of Humility and Kingship

by Jessica Jones

Palm Sunday marks a pivotal event in the Christian liturgical year, commemorating Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This event, symbolizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the public acknowledgment of Jesus' kingship, is steeped in deep biblical significance. To grasp its full import, it is crucial to understand not only the event itself but also the preparatory actions that led to it, as well as the scriptural prophecies it fulfilled.

Preparation for the Triumphal Entry

The account of the triumphal entry begins with Jesus instructing His disciples to prepare for this significant moment. In the 21st chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, this preparation is detailed:

“Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

“Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ””

(Matthew 21:1-5)

This directive not only sets the stage for the entry but also underscores Jesus' prophetic knowledge and the divine orchestration of events.

The Triumphal Entry

Following the disciples' adherence to Jesus' instructions, the Gospel narrative unfolds the entry into Jerusalem:

“So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!”

And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?”

So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.””

(Matthew 21:6-11)

Historical and Prophetic Context

The preparation for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is highly symbolic, illustrating His fulfillment of prophecy and divine mission. In instructing His disciples to secure a donkey and a colt, (instead of a horse symbolic of war) Jesus draws upon imagery deeply ingrained in the Jewish consciousness, specifically targeting the messianic expectations established by the prophets. This act was not merely a matter of convenience but a deliberate fulfillment of divine prophecy, signifying His peaceful and humble approach to kingship, contrasting sharply with the worldly expectation of a militaristic messiah.

This moment fulfills the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9:

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey."

(Zechariah 9:9, NKJV).

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the reaction of the crowd is steeped in Jewish tradition and expectation. The spreading of cloaks and palm branches (Matthew 21:8) was a sign of royal respect and honor, a practice seen in 2 Kings 9:13, during Jehu's anointment as king.

“Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king.”

(2 Kings 9:13)

The crowd's shouts of "Hosanna" echo Psalm 118:25-26, connecting Jesus' entry with prayers for salvation and blessings upon the one who comes in the name of the Lord:

"Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD."

(Psalm 118:25-26)

These acts underscore the recognition of Jesus as the messianic king by the populace, albeit with a likely expectation of a political and military leader who would liberate them from Roman rule.

Reflection and Application

Palm Sunday unfolds as a moment of profound paradoxes: the King of kings enters the city of His destiny not with the pomp of royalty but with the humility of the common man. This day illuminates the path Jesus chose, one that led not to a throne but to the cross, revealing the heart of God’s kingdom and challenging our own perceptions of power, victory, and leadership. In this act of divine humility, we find the core of our faith—a call to follow a Savior who turns the world’s values upside down to establish a kingdom founded on love, sacrifice, and service.

As we contemplate Jesus' deliberate fulfillment of prophecy and His intentional choice of a donkey for His entry, we're invited to ponder the depth of His commitment to peace and humility. This juxtaposition against expected norms of the day not only fulfilled ancient scriptures but also symbolized a new covenant, contrasting sharply with the prevailing expectations of a messiah who would overthrow Roman oppression through force. Instead, Jesus presents a different vision of liberation—freedom from sin and death, and the promise of eternal life.

This day, therefore, becomes a pivotal invitation to realign our lives with Jesus’ example. It beckons us to lay down our crowns, our wills, and our desires at the feet of the One who laid down His life for us. In the echoes of “Hosanna,” we hear the cries of our own hearts for salvation, a reminder that our King has come, not to conquer with swords but with love, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

Reflecting on Humility: How does Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem challenge my own understanding of leadership and success? Where in my life can I replace pride with humility?

Understanding True Kingship: In acknowledging Jesus as King, how does this shape my values and priorities? How can I daily honor His rule in my heart and actions?

The Path of Peace: Jesus’ choice of a donkey symbolizes peace. How am I called to be a peacemaker in my own contexts, embodying His peace in a world of conflict?

Sacrificial Love in Action: How can I live out the sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus in my relationships and community engagements? What might I need to lay down or take up to follow Him more closely?

The Cost of Discipleship: Reflecting on Jesus' journey through Holy Week, what does discipleship cost me? How does it challenge my comforts and conveniences?

Serving Others: Jesus came not to be served but to serve. What practical steps can I take to serve those around me, particularly the least, the last, and the lost?

Commitment to God's Kingdom: How can my talents, time, and resources further God's kingdom on earth? Where is He calling me to invest in eternal treasures rather than temporal ones?

Sharing the Gospel: How can I more effectively share the hope and salvation found in Jesus, using my unique context and calling to witness to His love?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the triumphal entry of Your Son into Jerusalem, help us to understand the depth of Your love and the fulfillment of Your promises. Teach us to welcome Jesus as our King, living in obedience to His commands and following His example of humility and service. May our lives proclaim "Hosanna" — a prayer for salvation that is found in Him alone.

Amen.

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Join in delving into the essence of Palm Sunday, a foundational event in Christian tradition that commemorates Jesus' profound entry into Jerusalem. Explore its deep biblical significance, the rich symbolism behind the gestures, and the impactful teachings it imparts on humility, leadership, and the essence of true kingship. How does this momentous occasion influence your own faith journey? I invite you to share your reflections and insights, as we individually and collectively contemplate this pivotal liturgical event.

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