When I think of Palm Sunday, I like to picture what it was really like back then.
The context brings it to life for me.
Imagine Jerusalem at Passover -
Crowds of Jewish pilgrims filled the city, the air thick with excitement and reverence. You could hear the chatter of families, the bleating of animals, and the laughter of children. The smell of fresh matzah and roasting lamb drifted through the streets. Passover wasn’t just a story from the past; it was a living reminder of God’s promise to deliver His people. And deep down, many were hoping He would do it again.
He shall judge between the nations… neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)
“Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations…” (Zechariah 14:3)
“And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives…” (Zechariah 14:4)
“One like the Son of Man… to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom.” (Daniel 7:13–14)
“The Lord also will roar from Zion… But the Lord will be a shelter for His people.” (Joel 3:16)
“The day is coming, burning like an oven…” (Malachi 4:1)
“But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise…” (Malachi 4:2)
Then Yeshua arrived. Not on a grand white horse, not leading an army, but riding a humble donkey. That wasn’t just a random choice - it meant something. Every single step the donkey took reminded people of old prophecies they’d heard in the synagogue. You could almost feel the hope rising in the crowd, as if ancient promises were finally coming true right before their eyes.
Zechariah 9:9 (ESV): "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."
But wait. This wasn’t the king they had pictured in their prayers or whispered about in hope. Instead of a majestic ruler in royal robes, here was someone humble and approachable. It must have caught them off guard. Still, their voices rose up together, full of hope and longing, shouting,
“Hosanna!”
That cry wasn’t just a word. They meant it. It was a mix of desperation and hope, passed down through generations who longed for deliverance. Some were asking God for help, but many were also hoping for freedom from Rome’s heavy hand.
But God was doing something even bigger than they could imagine. He was sending their Messiah - a Savior, to set His people once and for all, free from sin and bring them back to Him.
God's timing is everything. Just days before Passover, when families were choosing their lambs for sacrifice, Jesus walked right into Jerusalem for everyone to see. People watched Him, asked questions, and tried to figure out who He really was.
There He was, the Lamb of God, walking among the people.
The crowds cheered and praised Him, but most didn’t really know who He was. He knew so many would miss what He was really about. 2000+ years and we know that He is our humble King. The Lamb of God. One day, He will come as the Lion of Judah, and the Jewish people will recognize Jesus as their Messiah upon His return, as foretold in biblical prophecy.
Zechariah 12:10 States that the Jewish people will look upon Him whom they have pierced and mourn for Him.
Revelation 1:7 declares that every eye will see Him, including those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will mourn.
Romans 11:26 affirms that all Israel shall be saved, indicating a future mass recognition of Jesus as the Deliverer.
Written April 13, 2025, where it sat in my Drafts because I didn't have the confidence to share with you all.
