Palm Sunday—Remembering Jesus
Palm Sunday is celebrated the Sunday before Easter. It holds deep religious significance for Christians around the world. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Holy Week ends with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Palm Sunday serves as a day of reflection on Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. There, crowds laid palm branches and their coats on the road as they proclaimed him as their Savior. These acts symbolize reverence and hope, Palm Sunday sets the stage for the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
‘Lest we forget, Palm Sunday is all about Jesus. He is the focus of not only this day but also this Holy Week. Jesus received a joyous reception from the people along the road to Jerusalem. They waved palm branches. They sang hymns. Joy was everywhere! Jesus’ humility and impending sacrifice were both present in the midst of these celebrations.
As we participate in Palm Sunday services, we get to experience the celebration of this day and the suffering that will come at the end of the week. Observing Palm Sunday helps us prepare, spiritually, for Easter and the resurrection. Through observing Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the hope and redemption that Easter represents. Jesus’ victory over death is at the heart of our faith.
The tradition of recognizing Palm Sunday focuses on the values of humility, service, and peace. Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, rather than like a King on a majestic horse, modeled for us the importance of humility and serving others. These virtues inspire us to seek ways to strengthen our communities.
Many Baptist churches observe Palm Sunday with special sermons, Bible readings, and hymns that focus on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Some congregations may give participants palm branches as a part of their Palm Sunday services. Other congregations, similar to the one in which I grew up, encourage participants to spend time in personal devotion and prayer. Palm Sunday reflections and observances point us to Jesus and his virtues of humility and selflessness. Palm Sunday also serves as a reminder of the anticipation and hope for Christ’s second coming.
Palm Sunday is a significant day because it connects the joyous celebration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem with the seriousness of His crucifixion and resurrection. Palm Sunday prepares us for the hope and redemption we experience through Easter. It reminds us of the importance of humility, service, and peace ... all virtues that Jesus modeled for those of us who follow Him. As we observe Palm Sunday in our Christian faith traditions, let’s remember to celebrate Jesus and the salvation we have because of Him.
Scriptural Background: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19
Written by Gaynor Yancey, DSW
Lake Family Endowed Chair in Congregational and Community Health
Director of the Center for Church and Community Impact
Baylor University