The Beginning of Passion Week
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Christians around the world will celebrate Palm Sunday, marking the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, just one week before His resurrection. As He approached the holy city, He prepared to complete His journey toward Golgotha. Jesus came to save the lost, and this moment signified the beginning of the final steps to secure that salvation. Palm Sunday also initiates “Passion Week,” the last seven days of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Jesus Rides into Jerusalem
Jesus and His disciples traveled over the Mount of Olives. He sent two disciples ahead to the village of Bethphage, instructing them to find an unbroken colt of a donkey. As He foretold, they found the colt and, when questioned by the owners, responded as He had instructed: “The Lord needs it.” The owners allowed them to take the colt. The disciples brought the donkey to Jesus, placed their cloaks on it, and helped Him mount it.
The People Honor Jesus
As Jesus rode toward Jerusalem, a large crowd gathered around Him. The people recognized Him as the Messiah but misunderstood His purpose. They expected Him to establish a political kingdom, despite His teachings to the contrary. As He rode, the crowd spread their cloaks on the road and cut palm branches to lay before Him, treating Him with royal honor. This act led to the name “Palm Sunday.” Similar royal treatment had been given to King Jehu at his coronation.
Hosanna in the Highest
The people also honored Jesus with their words. They shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” They quoted Psalm 118:25–26, a prophecy about the Messiah. The religious leaders in the crowd objected, urging Jesus to rebuke His followers. However, Jesus refused, saying, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
More than 450 years before Jesus’ arrival, the prophet Zechariah had foretold this event: “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” (Zechariah 9:9). Every detail of this prophecy came true. Jerusalem rejoiced as they welcomed their King, but their joy was short-lived. The people expected Jesus to rescue them politically and free them from oppression. However, He came to bring spiritual salvation, which they failed to understand.
Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem
Even as the crowd celebrated, Jesus wept over Jerusalem. He lamented, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies… will not leave one stone on another because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” His sorrow stemmed from the people’s blindness to the true purpose of His coming. They saw the Savior but failed to recognize Him.
A Future Celebration in Heaven
A day will come when every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. John describes a vision in heaven where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language stands before the throne, wearing white robes and holding palm branches. They cry out, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” On that day, their worship will be true, and their joy immeasurable.
