What Is the Meaning of Palm Sunday and Why Celebrate it?
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“Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9)
Perhaps your church has children wave palm branches down the aisles of the congregation. Or maybe they take a processional walk outside of the church to commemorate Jesus' triumphal entry to Jerusalem. No matter what the case, many Christians celebrate a "holy day" or holiday known as Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday commemorates when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey the week before his crucified and death. Although the people cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” and greeted Him with anxious expectation. However, by Friday, they would crucify Him. One week after He entered Jerusalem was the Resurrection of Christ when He first appeared to the myrrh-bearing women.
In this article, we’ll explore what Palm Sunday means and why we celebrate it.
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Meaning of Palm Sunday
The various Bible gospel books in the hold accounts of what happened on Palm Sunday. Let’s take a look at Matthew’s account:
“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” ~ Matthew 21:1-11
Palm Sunday remembers and celebrates when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, as foretold in a prophecy in the Old Testament in Isaiah and Zechariah.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9)
The people wanted an insurrectionist to topple Rome. Jesus did come to defeat an enemy, but not the one they had in mind. Instead, He came to defeat the enemies of sin, death, and the devil that ensnared every man and woman since Adam and Eve.
According to Crosswalk, “Palm Sunday was the first day of Holy Week leading up to the Jewish holiday of Passover. Jesus rode on a donkey through the town of Jerusalem on His way to conquer death and bring us life through His sacrifice on the cross.” —Emma Danzey.
Jesus voluntarily gave Himself as our sacrificial Passover lamb when they led him to his death on the Friday of that week.
What Do Palm Branches Represent?
So why did the people wave palm branches and place them at the feet of Jesus’ colt? No doubt, in Palestine, where Jesus ministered, there were plenty of palm trees scattered throughout the land. But what was the meaning of using palm trees?
According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, the branches and trees actually have a significant meaning. People didn’t just grab whatever leaves they could find for no reason.
“Its branches are a symbol of victory (Revelation 7:9). "Rising with slender stems 40 or 50, at times even 80, feet aloft, its only branches, the feathery, snow-like, pale-green fronds from 6 to 12 feet long, bending from its top, the palm attracts the eye wherever it is seen." The whole land of Palestine was called by the Greeks and Romans Phoenicia, i.e., "the land of palms."
The Jewish people wanted victory, victory over the Romans who had invaded their land. Jesus did come to enact a victory, but not quite the one they had in mind.
When we use palm branches in our services, we can remember how Jesus conquered death for us to have a chance of salvation through Him.
How Do Christians Celebrate and Observe Palm Sunday?
The Christian celebrations of Palm Sunday vary based on the different denominations. Both Protestant and Catholic churches celebrate Palm Sunday. Some may put up a few decorative palm branches, while most churches you attend on Palm Sunday will dedicate the sermon to discussing Jesus’ triumphal entry.
Others may have children wave palm branches down the aisles, sometimes singing a song with the word “Hosanna!” the same phrase used by the Israelite people when Jesus entered Jerusalem.
Here are some ways people celebrate and observe Palm Sunday:
Palm Branches: Reflecting the biblical account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, where crowds spread palm branches on the road before Him, worshippers often carry palm branches in processions. Churches distribute palm fronds to congregants, who may wave them during the service or bring them home to place as a symbol of peace and victory.
Processions: Many congregations hold processions either inside the church or outside in the community to reenact Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. These can be solemn or festive, with participants singing hymns and carrying palms.
Blessing of the Palms: In many churches, the palm branches are blessed during the Palm Sunday service. These blessed palms are considered symbols of Christ's victory over death and are often kept by worshippers in their homes as a token of blessing and protection.
Palm Sunday Mass or Services: Special church services on Palm Sunday include readings from the Gospels about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, as well as hymns and sermons that reflect on the meaning of this event for Christians today.
Crafts and Decorations: Children in Sunday school may engage in crafting crosses from palm fronds or other activities that help them understand the significance of the day. Homes and churches may be decorated with palms and other greenery.
Dramatic Readings or Plays: Some communities present dramatic readings or plays that depict the events of Palm Sunday, helping to bring the story to life for congregants.
Reflection and Prayer: Palm Sunday is also a time for reflection on Jesus Christ's sacrificial love and the start of the journey towards Easter. It's a day for prayer and contemplation on the themes of humility, service, and salvation.
Cultural Traditions: In some cultures, Palm Sunday includes unique traditions. For example, in Spain and some Latin American countries, the day is marked with elaborate processions featuring statues of Jesus or the Virgin Mary. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, in addition to palm branches, willow branches are often blessed and distributed, reflecting local customs and available vegetation.
Scripture Reading for Palm Sunday Bible Story
Reading the story of Palm Sunday aloud or in private is an intimate way to draw close to God and celebrate. Meg Bucher shares - “Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures on Palm Sunday is recorded in all four New Testament Gospel Accounts: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. We can draw close to God by reading the truth of His Word. Scripture promises where two or more are gathered, He is with them! Scripture also says, when we seek Him with all of our hearts, we will find Him. God is … close! When Jesus rode into the city on Palm Sunday, He was God the Son coming close to us. Because of His sacrifice, He remains with every believer through the Holy Spirit."
No matter how you celebrate, many Christians join in praise of Jesus on this day by using palm branches or reading from the passages of the Triumphal Entry to recognize and celebrate Palm Sunday.
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,
2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.
3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.
7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.
8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
You can read more Palm Sunday Bible verses Here.
When is Palm Sunday?
When is Palm Sunday this year? Palm Sunday always falls a week before Easter Sunday (or Resurrection Sunday).
This year, it is on March 24th, 2024. We’ve also highlighted some upcoming dates for future years.
Future Dates of Palm Sunday
April 13, 2025
March 29, 2026
March 21, 2027
Palm Sunday Prayers
“Lord God, I give you thanks, for you are good, and your mercy is endless. passion and death, And I am distracted by many things. Turn my eyes now to the One who comes in your name the one who opens the gates of righteousness the one who answers when we call. I bless you, Lord, for shining your light upon me, and for sending your son to us, in human frailty. To walk the road we walk. Open my eyes that I may see him coming and may praise him with a pure heart. And may walk in the way of his suffering and share also in his resurrection. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.”—Rachel Marie Stone
“Dear Jesus, I plead for You to give me Your grief over the people who have missed You and rejected You. This Easter, remind me just how much I need You. Help me see Your grace. Grant me that divine combination of sorrow and tenderness that points people to the cross and to new Life. Dear God, give me Your heart for my world, to see the desperate need for salvation we all have. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” —Amy Carroll
Additional Easter Resources:
Ash Wednesday - Bible Meaning and Purpose
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