The Meaning of Palm Sunday

The message was brought by Rev. Bob Surber on April 13, 2025.  The scripture for the message is Luke 19:33-44.

Today is Palm Sunday; it begins Holy Week, the last week of Jesus’ earthly life.  He went into Jerusalem for his final teachings and had his final Passover with the disciples. He then went into the Garden seeking the Lord. He was praying in agony. He was betrayed by Judas for 30 pieces of silver. He was mocked and tortured and then crucified.

How significant is Palm Sunday? Does it pale in comparison?  Jesus knew this was it. He could have turned back any time, but he didn’t.  I’m glad he kept going. He was willing to go through with this week. It was the beginning of what was to happen but also a moment of decisiveness. Otherwise, we’d still be headed to hell. Jesus was willing to give himself as the sacrifice for sins of the whole world. He walked most everywhere he went, but on Palm Sunday he rode a donkey into town.

This was a fulfillment of prophecy.  Zachariah 9:9 says Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.  What made this ride so special? The people remembered the Old Testament and saw it being fulfilled before their eyes. Jesus was not a representative; this was THE KING himself. He cared about us even though we are as stubborn as the donkey he was riding. However, this animal was happy to carry THE KING. No trumpets. No regal garments. In plain, everyday clothing on a donkey, Jesus condescended to our level in order to save us. He came for all to die once and for all.  His death is a one-time sacrifice.

He saw the busyness around the temple, the cheating and profiting. He overturned the tables and let the animals go free denouncing the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees. He was straightening out HIS HOUSE.  The Son of God was virgin born. He lived a sinless life. Inside his earthly body was the real King, the Messiah of all people. Jesus had arrived.  Wherever you may be, Jesus is present. He’s your Savior and Deliverer. Give him your heart and he’ll be your King. Is he what you expected?  He should be. Don’t reject Jeus. 

This was the day of choosing the Passover lambs by the people of Israel. They would be set aside for the day of sacrifice later in the week.  Jesus is the final Passover Lamb, the Savior of and for the people. Jesus knew how this ride into town on a donkey would end, but he kept on going. He saw us in his heart and mind. He broke down even though the people shouted, “hosanna to the King”. The real truth was hidden from their eyes. What a moment this really was, a pivotal one for us all.  Seeing their hearts he cried because they didn’t grasp what was going on. We do now.

The Bible tells us today is the accepted time to be saved.  Today is your time.  Turn to Jesus before it’s too late.