Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox churches all celebrate Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, the holiest time of the year for Christians. (The Christian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar and usually celebrates later than Catholic and Protestant communities.)
Palm Sunday commemorates the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem and the people welcoming him by waving palm branches. This event serves as a reminder for Christians to receive Jesus into their hearts and prepare to follow him. The Palm Sunday service also includes the reading of the Passion, which tells the story of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion.
Palm Sunday is a Christian religious holiday that takes place on the Sunday before Easter. This feast commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which is mentioned in all four Gospels. Knowing that he will be tried and crucified, Jesus entered the city and accepted his destiny to rise from the grave and save us from sin! Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week and the commemoration of the last days of Jesus’ life.
In many churches, Palm Sunday is celebrated with the blessing and distribution of palm branches, which symbolize the branches that were placed before Christ when he entered Jerusalem.
Let us praise God for sending his Son to earth, for Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, and for our eternal life in Christ through faith.
Palm Sunday in the Bible
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as King – triumphal entry
“Now when they came near Jerusalem and reached Bethfajah near Zeitoun, Jesus sent two disciples and said to them: “Go to the one who is in front of you and immediately you will find a donkey tied and a foal with him. Open them and bring them to me. If someone tells you something, you will say, ‘God needs them,’ and He will send them immediately.” This happened to fulfill what had been spoken by the prophet, who said: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, bearing the donkey’s money.'” So the disciples went and so on. They did what Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the foal and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from trees and spread them on the road. And the people who went before him and those who followed him shouted: “Hosanna (light) on the son of David! Blessed be the one who comes in the name of God! Hosanna at the top!” And when he was come into Jerusalem, the whole city was troubled, saying, Who is this? And the crowd said: “This is Prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee.” – Matthew 21:1-11
The Old Testament foretold Palm Sunday in Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!” Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is righteous and savior, humble and riding on a donkey, on the foal of a donkey, the foal of a bearer.
For more Palm Sunday Bible verses, you can refer to the accounts recounted in the Gospels of Mark, Luke, and John.
Palm Sunday in 2024
This year, Palm Sunday will be on March 24, 2024. This is the beginning of Holy Week leading up to Easter on March 31, 2024.
The meaning of Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter that begins Holy Week. This is the day we remember and celebrate Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem as Savior and King.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, a large crowd gathered and threw palm branches and robes on the road to pay Jesus royal respect. Hundreds of people were shouting: “Hosanna (shine) on the son of David!” Blessed be the one who comes in the name of God! Hosanna at the top!”
Debbie McDaniel wrote about the significance of Palm Sunday,
“In the wake of Palm Sunday, as we begin this Holy Week, I hope we are constantly reminded of its importance and value to our lives today. That very important day in history, when Jesus Christ began his journey to the cross.
However, perhaps in the midst of busy lives, in the wake of spring break, or in the midst of all the upcoming thoughts about Easter, its true meaning can be lost, even inadvertently.
His words reveal great truths in every part of this story. Truths that bring us closer to Christ and remind us that He is the only King.”
Quotes about Palm Sunday
“Palm Sunday is like a glimpse of Easter. After the sad period of Lent, it brings some joy.” – Laura Gill
“Thinking on Palm Sunday; Life is full of ups and downs. “Glory God when you go up and trust Him fully when you come down.” – Anonymous
“Lord, we lift up your name. with hearts full of praise; O my God, be proud! Hosanna at the top!” – Carl Tuttle
“Have a blessed Palm Sunday. “Remember, a week before he was crucified like a criminal, he rode into the city like a king on a donkey.” – Anonymous
“Hallelujah, how the people cheer with enthusiasm, and the palm leaves rustle at the approach of the king.” – John Beavis
Today in the article : What is Palm Sunday? We reviewed useful information about the Bible and the way of Jesus. If you wish, you can view other articles of Ali Vahidi about Christianity
