“Palm Sunday calls on us to recognize Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the true King of our lives, whose reign is defined by love, peace, and a willingness to lay down His life for others.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 13, 2025
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
Palm Sunday, celebrated one week before Easter, holds deep significance for Christians as it marks the beginning of Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a moment of profound meaning in the Christian faith. The day is named after the palm branches laid on the road by the crowd as a symbol of honor and victory when Jesus entered the city riding a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah from the Old Testament (Zechariah 9:9).
For Christians today, Palm Sunday serves as a reminder of Jesus’ humility and the nature of His kingship. While people expected a political leader who would overthrow Roman rule, Jesus came as a peaceful king with a mission to save humanity spiritually rather than through force. His entry on a humble donkey rather than a war horse shows the contrast between earthly power and God’s kingdom, emphasizing peace, love, and sacrifice.
Palm Sunday also teaches us about the fleeting nature of human approval. The same crowd that praised Jesus by shouting “Hosanna!” would, days later, call for His crucifixion. This shift powerfully reflects how easily we, too, can be swayed by external pressures and lose sight of our faith. It invites believers to examine their commitment to following Christ, even when difficult or unpopular.
As Christ’s followers, Palm Sunday invites us into a time of reflection as we prepare for Good Friday’s events and the Easter celebration. It marks the beginning of a week where the focus shifts from celebration to the solemn remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. We are reminded to cultivate humility, steadfastness, and gratitude for the gift of salvation.
Ultimately, Palm Sunday holds timeless relevance. It calls on us to recognize Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the true King of our lives, whose reign is defined by love, peace, and a willingness to lay down His life for others.
“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)
Prayer
Father, there is no way we could repay you for the ultimate sacrifice of your son, Jesus. We will forever speak of your love for us.
Application
As we enter this Holy Week, let’s think of at least one other person with whom we can share the story of the ultimate love and sacrifice our Heavenly Father made for each one of us.
Related Reading
Psalm 5:11; Philippians 2:8; Luke 19:38; John 3:16
Worship Resource
Northpoint feat. Seth Condrey: Death Was Arrested
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