Palm Sunday is the day we remember the ” triumphal entry” of Jesus into Jerusalem, Exactly one week before His resurrection. Zechariah(500 years earlier) had spoke to the nation of the coming of their King riding on a colt, the foal of a donkey. This was not the normal manner in which kings arrived, for they usually came as conquerors riding on horses. A colt was a symbol of peace.
The disciples got the animals, threw their garments on them to make saddles, and people in the large crowd spread cloaks and tree branches (palms) on the roads. Most of these people were pilgrims from Galilee on their way to Jerusalem to celbrate the Passover. They were familiar with Jesus and the many miracles He had performed. As the people walked along some before Jesus and some behind Him they were probably singing some of the psalms.
Matthew noted that they shouted the words, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. To Him they shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David. Hosanna - Save us, we pray–It became a note of praise as well as petition.
While the crowd did not fully understand the significance of this event, they acknowledged that this One is the promised Seed of David who had come to grant them salvation. Both their actions and words bestowed honor on this One coming into the city, at last presenting Himself publicly as their King.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the entire city was moved and asked, Who is this? Since Jesus had usually avoided the city, its inhabitants did not know Him. Those accompanying Jesus from out of town kept answering, This is Jesus, the Prophet from Nazareth in Galilee. As the Prophet, He is the One promised by Moses. Luke recorded that Jesus wept over the city and told the religious leaders that the day was a significant time for the nation: “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now is is hidden from your eyes.” This event marked the official presentation of Jesus Christ to the nation of Israel as the rightful Son of David.
