Scripture reveals that Jesus entered Jerusalem as the fulfillment of the ancient Messianic prophecy, humbly yet royally, while the people recognized Him as their King.
Scripture on Palm Sunday
Matthew 21:1-9
New Testament
"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, tell him 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, 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 clothes on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their clothes 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!'"
Zechariah 9:9
Old Testament
"Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
John 12:12-13
New Testament
"The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!'"
Mark 11:9-10
New Testament
"Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!'"
Luke 19:37-40
New Testament
"When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!' Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, 'Teacher, rebuke your disciples!' 'I tell you,' he replied, 'if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.'"
The Bottom Line
Jesus accepted the role of King when His people called Him — not by force, but by invitation, riding toward the cross.
Try Today
Read the account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem in one of the Gospel accounts, then spend time acknowledging Jesus as your King in a specific area of your life where you've been slow to surrender to Him.
Prayer
Jesus said, 'Ask and it will be given to you' (Matthew 7:7), inviting us to bring our worship and wonder to the Father.
Father, as I reflect on the crowds who welcomed Jesus as King, I'm struck by how easily celebration turns to rejection—the same voices that shouted 'Hosanna' would cry 'crucify' days later. I confess that my own allegiance wavers; I praise You when life feels good, but struggle to trust when the road turns hard. Help me see that Jesus entered Jerusalem not to be crowned in triumph, but to be crucified for my redemption. Give me a faith that doesn't depend on comfort, but on who He truly is. Make me a person who follows Him fully, through celebration and suffering alike. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read Matthew 21:1-11 for the full narrative, then explore Isaiah 53 to see the suffering servant prophecy that follows Christ's entry.
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