This Holy Week began with Palm Sunday, on March 29. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as king of the Jews. On this hallowed day, the king of all kings rode into the city on a donkey, a lowly animal. The donkey symbolized patience, peace, humility, and service.
Of all the animals, this donkey was chosen to be ridden only by King Jesus, the savior of the world.
On Palm Sunday, days before his crucifixion and death, Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as our king marks the beginning of Holy Week.
Just as there was no room in the inn at Jesus’ birth, there was no fine chariot or horse that Jesus would ride.
Matthew 21:8-9 says, “And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”
Jesus was not surrounded, greeted, cheered on, or hosted by dignitaries from his hometown or surrounding states or countries.
There was no strumming, blowing, booming, or ringing of instruments: no bells, harps, lyre, trumpets, or shofars to honor him. Jesus’ red carpet, as it is termed today, consisted of palm branches, coats, cloaks, and other garments that the people laid before him.
There was no pomp or circumstance. There was no majestic procession or coronation for the Son of God, for the prophesies and scriptures were to be fulfilled.
Why did the people have palm branches to acknowledge him on this occasion?
The Jews used palm branches in their celebrations and feasts.
During the Feast of the Tabernacles, God told them, “And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days (Leviticus 23:40).
In addition, people waved palm branches because they symbolized ancient Jewish culture and were associated with victory, honor, and triumph.
In Revelation 7:9, John describes the following in his vision.
“I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands…”
Catholics and other denominations use palm leaves and branches on Palm Sunday. They celebrate and remember Jesus’ Triumphal Entry and humble acknowledgement as the Messiah and king.
After Palm Sunday, the narrative of Holy Week progresses. On the Friday that follows, known as Good Friday, Jesus was crucified. On Good Friday, Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world.
And the faithful Sunday after Good Friday, the holiest and most historical day of Holy Week, Jesus rose from the dead for the salvation of all who would believe in him.
Resurrection Sunday is not about Easter eggs, Easter Bunnies, Easter baskets, new frilly dresses, white or pastel suits, or new shoes.
Easter is about the risen Christ, the Savior, and his love that makes eternal life possible for everyone who believes and obeys him as God’s Son.
Happy Resurrection Day on April 5, 2026!
I hope you are happy and well.