In Matthew 21:1-11, we see the powerful moment when Jesus rides a donkey triumphantly into Jerusalem—a day now celebrated as Palm Sunday. This event marked the start of the first Easter timeline and was filled with both joy and prophetic significance.
Crowds gathered, waving palm branches and shouting praises. Today, churches celebrate with Easter Cantatas and songs of worship. Yet, as triumphant as this moment was, it set the stage for the days leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Let’s move to the deeper meaning of Palm Sunday and its place in the Easter story.
Beginning of Easter – On Palm Sunday, Jesus Rides a Donkey into Jerusalem, the Crowd Shouts Hosanna!
Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road.
The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting,
“Hosanna to the Son of David;
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest!”
When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?”
And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.” – Matthew 21:8-11 NASB
The People Treat Jesus Like a King on Palm Sunday – The Humble King
On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem in a way that was both humble and profound. Riding on a donkey, He fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, and the people recognized Him as their king—the “Son of David.” Crowds gathered, waving palm branches and laying them down on the road as they shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
What the People Didn’t Realize…
Many in the crowd believed this was the start of something revolutionary. They thought Jesus had come to lead an uprising against the Romans, who were occupying Jerusalem. They expected a powerful, earthly king who would restore their nation and bring them freedom.
But Jesus had a very different mission. He didn’t come to overthrow rulers or lead a rebellion. Instead, He came to offer salvation to all people through His death and resurrection. The same city that welcomed Him with shouts of praise and palm branches would, just days later, demand His crucifixion.
Palm Sunday is a powerful reminder of who Jesus truly is—a humble King who came not to meet human expectations but to fulfill God’s perfect plan for redemption. It’s a story of hope, humility, and God’s love for the world.
The Crowd Shouts “Hosanna” as Christ Humbles Himself
The donkey symbolizes the humility of Jesus.
Through all His power and glory Jesus humbled himself when He entered the city to the cheers of the crowd.
These crowds of people were shouting “Hosanna!” which means loosely; “Save us!“. Later, many of these same people would cry, “Crucify him!“.
We now celebrate this day of Jesus’ famous ride as Palm Sunday which is held each year the Sunday before Easter.
Jesus will suffer a terrible death shortly after this ride.
And, His death on the cross and resurrection on the third day will mean “Hosanna!” for us!
So, as Jesus said in John 14, “Let not your heart be troubled.” A bright, new day is coming!
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to know how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 for more information.