Our Lenten Journey: Palm Sunday

Next Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week - the time in the Christian tradition between Christ's entry into Jerusalem and his crucifixion. We will start Sunday's worship service with the children processing down the aisle with palm branches. This is meant to be an exciting time in the church calendar, and a celebratory worship service, but we can't forget the meaning behind waving branches in the air and the familiar ring of "blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

How did it all begin?

Palm Sunday is to commemorate Jesus' triumphal entry into the city. Jesus is fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 when he enters the gates on the back of a donkey:

Rejoice with all your heart, people of Zion!
   Shout in triumph, people of Jerusalem!
   Look! Your King is coming to you:
      He is righteous and victorious.
      He is humble and rides on a donkey,
         on a colt, a young pack animal.

Why a donkey?

The truth is, in that area, kings and nobles processing into the city on the back of a donkey were signifying peaceful intentions. Donkeys were a symbol of peace.

Why palm branches?

Palm branches were laid at the feet of a king or noble when they were arriving in victory or triumph. When the crowd laid palm branches before Jesus, they were implying that Jesus was victorious over all others.

What about "Hosanna" and "Blessed is He"?

Hosanna is a derivation of the Hebrew word "hoshana," meaning "save." When the people shouted "hosanna," they were both desperate and hopeful for Jesus' salvation. Their declarations take us back to the words of Psalm 118:25-27:

LORD, save us!
   LORD, grant us success!

 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
   From the house of the LORD we bless you.
The LORD is God,
   and he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
   up to the horns of the altar.

What should we remember from this story?

Palm Sunday wasn't just a "cool thing" that happened, but in a way it marks the beginning of the end. Jesus fulfills the prophecy of the coming Messiah, and continues on his journey to crucifixion and resurrection. Consider everything Jesus stood against as he rode into the city - in peace and victory. On Palm Sunday, Jesus was recognized as the symbol of hope he truly was (and still is), and as we come into the sanctuary this week, we will be honoring the only one who can save us as we wave our palm branches. Christ comes in victory.

You can find the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem in Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:29–44; John 12:12–19