Palm Sunday launches us into the sacred rhythm of Holy Week. It’s a day filled with anticipation and paradox — celebration that hints at sacrifice, triumph that leads to the cross.
The scene is alive with movement and meaning. Jesus, fully aware of what awaits Him in Jerusalem, chooses to enter not as a conquering warrior but as a humble King.
“So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!”‘” (Mark 11:7–9, NKJV)
The colt, the cloaks, the palm branches — all signs of honor. The crowd erupts in praise, quoting Psalm 118, recognizing Jesus as the One sent from God. But their understanding is incomplete. They hoped for immediate deliverance from Roman rule. Jesus came instead to deliver their souls from eternal bondage.
In fact many of those crying, “Hosanna!” on Sunday, would be shouting, “Crucify Him!” just a few days later.
It’s a tension we still feel today. We cry out “Hosanna!” in our struggles, praying for immediate relief, quick fixes, visible victories. Yet Jesus, in His wisdom, rides at His own pace and purpose. He doesn’t always give us the triumph we expect — He gives us the salvation we desperately need.
This Palm Sunday, as we look at the waving branches and hear the echoes of ancient praise, we must ask ourselves: Are we welcoming Jesus for who He is, or for who we want Him to be?
The invitation of Palm Sunday is to surrender not just our praises, but our expectations. To lay down not just palm branches, but our very lives. To trust that His path, though it leads to the cross, will also lead to resurrection.
Reflection: What expectations do you need to lay at the feet of Jesus today?
