Palms Were a Symbol of Goodness and Victory
Palms Were a Symbol of Goodness and Victory
God’s Word tells us the people cut palm branches and waved them in the air, laid them out on the ground before Jesus rode into the city. The palm branch represented goodness, well-being and victory and was symbolic of the final victory He would soon fulfill over death. 1 Corinthians 15:55 says, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” Palm branches were often depicted on coins and important buildings. King Solomon had palm branches carved into the walls and doors of the temple (1 Kings 6:29). Again, at the end of the Bible, people of every nation raised palm branches to honor Jesus. Scripture tells us, “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” (Revelation 7:9).
Jesus Fulfilled Old Testament Prophecy
Jesus Fulfilled Old Testament Prophecy
Jesus chose to ride in on a donkey, which directly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy of Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, daughter Zion! Shout, daughter Jerusalem! See your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” In biblical times, it was common for kings and important people to arrive by a procession riding on a donkey. The donkey symbolized peace, so those who chose to ride them showed that they came with peaceful intentions. Jesus, even then, reminded us that He is the Prince of Peace. When people shouted “Hosanna!” they were hailing Christ as King. That word actually means “save now” and though in their minds they waited for an earthly king, God had a different way in mind of bringing true salvation to all who would trust in Him.
Palm Sunday is About Peace and Salvation
Palm Sunday is About Peace and Salvation
The then Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, would come into Jerusalem with his soldiers for Passover, showing his strength through the arms his men carried. Jesus, however, came on a donkey with all His disciples unarmed, to demonstrate the Kingdom of God and His peace. It was customary that during a time of peace, a king would ride on a donkey, while a king would come sitting on a white horse after victory in a battle, as suggested in Judges 5:10 and 1 Kings 1:33. So, Jesus came as King but not to judge the people. He came to demonstrate God’s grace.
Jesus Wept For Jerusalem
Jesus Wept For Jerusalem
The Bible says that Jesus wept for Jerusalem. In the midst of the praise of the moment, He knew in His heart that it wouldn’t be long that these same people would turn their backs on Him, betray Him, and crucify Him. His heart broke with the reality of how much they needed a Savior. Luke 19:41-42 says, “As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it, and said, ‘If you, even you had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes. Here, wept is the same word used to describe the weeping of Mary and others in John 11:333, so we know that Jesus cried aloud in anguish over the future of the city.
Many Churches Celebrate Palm Sunday With Reenactments
Many Churches Celebrate Palm Sunday With Reenactments
Today, many churches celebrate Palm Sunday with reenactments of the triumphal entry. Catholic churches often bless palm branches with holy water and then distribute them to congregants. These palm branches are then saved for us following Ash Wednesday. In regions where palm branches are not readily available, branches of other trees are used. Some areas have developed other rather interesting traditions related to Palm Sunday. In Latvia, Palm Sunday is called “Pussy Willow Sunday” because pussy willows, rather than palms are used, and children are traditionally awoken with a swipe of a willow. In the Netherlands, celebrants decorate crosses with candy and bread in the shape of a rooster. In Poland, competitions for the largest or most beautiful palm branches are common.
Palm Branches Are Not Thrown Out
Palm Branches Are Not Thrown Out
After leaving church on Palm Sunday, you’ve likely come home with several long Palm branches from the celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Also, you may have wondered what happens to palms after Palm Sunday. Because the palms are blessed, they cannot simply be thrown out as rubbish or discarded. Instead, the palms are burned after being used during the Palm Sunday service and the ashes are used to mark parishioner’s foreheads on the next Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. Over the years, many people have used the palm branches to decorate their homes. It could be as simple as tucking them behind a religious painting or crucifix, or as complex as making them into a palm rose.
Palm Sunday is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar after Christmas and Easter. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the week of events leading up to Jesus’ death. In the simplest of terms, Palm Sunday is an occasion for reflection on the final week of Jesus’ life. It is a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His Resurrection.
