PALM SUNDAY MESSAGE
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most important week in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and laying down their cloaks on the ground. The people hailed him as a king and savior, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah (9:9) that the Messiah would come to Jerusalem riding on a donkey.

The events of Palm Sunday are significant for Christians today because they remind us of the humble nature of Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. They also illustrate the fickleness of human nature, as the same people who praised Jesus on Sunday would later call for his crucifixion on Friday.

One of the key themes of Palm Sunday is humility. Jesus, the Son of God, could have entered Jerusalem in grand style, with a retinue of soldiers and servants. Instead, he chose to ride on a donkey, a symbol of humility and peace. This act demonstrated Jesus’ willingness to serve others and to put their needs ahead of his own. It is a powerful example for Christians today, who are called to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by serving others and putting their needs first.

Another theme of Palm Sunday is sacrifice. Jesus knew that he was entering Jerusalem to face persecution and death, yet he still went willingly. He knew that his sacrifice was necessary to redeem humanity and reconcile us with God. This sacrifice is at the heart of the Christian faith, and it is celebrated every time we partake of the Eucharist, where we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and receive his body and blood.

The events of Palm Sunday also remind us of the fickleness of human nature. The same people who welcomed Jesus as a king and savior on Sunday would turn against him just a few days later. This illustrates the danger of putting our trust in earthly leaders and institutions, which can disappoint us and let us down. It also reminds us of the need to remain steadfast in our faith, even when the world around us is in turmoil.

In light of these themes, what is the message of Palm Sunday for the church today? Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of humility and service. As Christians, we are called to put the needs of others ahead of our own and to serve them with love and compassion. This can be challenging in a world that values power and prestige, but it is essential if we are to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

Secondly, Palm Sunday reminds us of the centrality of sacrifice in the Christian faith. We are called to lay down our lives for others, just as Jesus did for us. This may involve making difficult choices, giving up our own desires and ambitions, and being willing to suffer for the sake of others.

Finally, Palm Sunday reminds us of the need to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of opposition and persecution. We may be tempted to compromise our beliefs or to follow the crowd, but we must remember that Jesus is the only true king and savior. We must be willing to stand up for what we believe in, even if it means going against the prevailing culture or facing persecution.

In conclusion, Palm Sunday is a powerful reminder of the humble nature of Jesus, his ultimate sacrifice for our salvation, and the fickleness of human nature. It challenges us to live lives of humility and service, to lay down our lives for others, and to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of opposition and persecution. As we enter Holy Week, may we remember these themes and strive to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, so that we too may share in his triumph over sin and death.



Shalom.