An Unexpected King
“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (ESV)
Today is Palm Sunday, a day when we gather with hearts wide open, palms stretched towards the heavens, remembering the day the streets of Jerusalem were covered with cloaks and branches as a new king entered the city on the back of a foal.
It’s a tradition that has been passed down through centuries, a moment when we pause and reflect on the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem—an entrance that was both triumphant and humble, foreshadowing the questions that would come to define our understanding of His kingdom.
The Longing for a King
This journey began long ago with the nation of Israel, a people steeped in anticipation. For generations, they had whispered the prophecies, retelling the promises made to Abraham and his descendants.
With each remembrance, their hearts filled with hope for the Seed who would come to crush their foes and usher in a time of unparalleled blessing (Genesis 22:17-18). Palm Sunday was the culmination of this centuries-old yearning. The people of Israel believed the time had come; their King was finally here.
An Upside-Down Kingdom
But this King – Jesus – was not draped in the expected royal splendor. The contrasts were startling:
- Kings parade on warhorses; Jesus chose a donkey, a symbol of peace.
- Kings wear grand robes; Jesus donned simple garments.
- Kings are flanked by warriors; Jesus was surrounded by commoners.
- Kings are served; Jesus came to serve.
- Kings rule with might; Jesus led with love.
- Kings feast; Jesus fed the multitudes.
- Kings wear crowns of gold; Jesus would bear a crown of thorns.
- Kings demand voices to be silenced; Jesus remained silent before His accusers.
- Kings are safeguarded; Jesus surrendered His life for all.
In every way, Jesus turned the norms of royalty on their heads, and yet, on that Palm Sunday, the crowd hailed Him with shouts of “Hosanna!” (Mark 11:9-10). They saw in Him the fulfillment of David’s line, the restoration of a kingdom. But they had yet to understand the true nature of His reign.
The King They Needed
Jesus did not come to claim a throne of earth but to reign within the hearts of humanity. The crowd’s desire for liberation from Rome was valid, but Jesus came to free them from a far greater oppression—the tyranny of sin. Their eyes were fixed on the restoration of a worldly dominion; Jesus was focused on an eternal kingdom.
In God’s perfect design, the day of Jesus’ entry was aligned with the selection of the Passover lamb. And just as the lambs were chosen on the 10th of Nisan, Jesus presented Himself as the chosen Lamb—the perfect sacrifice for our sins. This was a Passover like no other; the Lamb of God was preparing to take away the sin of the world (Revelation 1:5-6).
Celebrating Palm Sunday
As we remember Palm Sunday, let it be a day to reflect on the King we have seen and received. For those who have placed their trust in Him, the work on the cross stands as a finished act of grace. Our sins are forgiven, we are cleansed by His blood, and we are declared righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus now reigns as King in the hearts of believers.
In welcoming Jesus, let the words of the psalmist stir within us a profound joy:
- “For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.” (Psalm 92:4)
- “I will be glad and exult in You” (Psalm 9:2)
- “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices” (Psalm 16:9)
Looking Forward to the King’s Return
Our Palm Sunday celebration is not only a look backward but also a gaze forward. We await the day when Jesus will return—not as a humble servant, but as the King of kings. He will come in judgment, and none will stand before Him unless they are covered by the blood of the Lamb.
This Palm Sunday, let’s remember the start of Jesus’ journey to the cross and look towards the horizon for His return. We celebrate not only His past entrance but also His future coming as the ruling King, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
An Invitation to the Kingdom
As we walk through Holy Week, let us not only remember the Lord’s work but also look for those who do not yet know Him. Share with them the story of a King who first came as the sacrificial Lamb and will come again as the sovereign Lion. Help them to understand the importance of being covered by the blood of the Lamb.
Encourage them to step into the Kingdom of God now, to become children of God and joint heirs with Christ. Explain to them the inheritance that awaits in Jesus—one of eternal joy and blessing for those who come in the name of the Lord.
May God always guide your path.