Scripture References
Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19
Main Idea
Jesus is welcomed into Jerusalem as King, and His arrival marks the beginning of the Passion Week and His ultimate sacrifice.
Read: Matthew 21:1-11
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,
2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.
3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.
7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.
8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Summary
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey in fulfillment of a prophecy from Zechariah. This prophecy spoke of the coming Messiah King who would save His people. Many people thought this salvation referred to political salvation. They thought the Messiah would deliver them from Roman oppression, but this was an entirely different kind of salvation. As the Messiah, Jesus came to save His people from their sins. As the King, Jesus came to establish God’s rule and reign here on earth. This passage reminds us that Jesus is the Savior who saves us from our sins, and the King who lovingly and humbly rules over our lives. He is worthy of our worship, our praise, our loyalty, and our lives.
Questions
- What does it mean to lay down our own “palm branches” before Jesus in our own lives?
- What are some ways we can show honor and respect to Jesus as King, just as the crowds did on Palm Sunday?
- What are some things we can do this week to prepare our hearts for learning about Jesus’ death and resurrection?
Prayer
Dear Lord, as we celebrate Palm Sunday, help us to lay down our own “palm branches” before you and honor you as King. Prepare our hearts to fully receive and embrace the message of your death and resurrection. Amen.