Palm Sunday | Meaning, Scriptures, and the Beginning of Holy Week
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Christians remember Jesus entering Jerusalem in humility as crowds waved palm branches and shouted praise. Explore the meaning of Palm Sunday, key scriptures, and how this day prepares us for the cross and Easter resurrection hope.
“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
But Palm Sunday is more than celebration. It is an invitation to understand who Jesus truly is—and how we will respond to Him.
This week leads to the cross… and then to the empty tomb.
Come and see.
🌱 What Is the GROW Framework?
At Pleasant Grove, we use a simple pathway for spiritual growth called GROW:
G – Ground in Scripture
Build life on God’s Word.
R – Reasons We Believe
Understand why our faith is trustworthy and true.
O – Obedience in Action
Put faith into practice through love, mercy, and service.
W – Walk It Out
Live daily with Jesus in the real world.
Palm Sunday helps us GROW as disciples.
What Is Palm Sunday?
G – Ground in Scripture
Primary Scriptures
Matthew 21:1–11
Matthew 26:14–25
Psalm 118:14–29
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus sent two disciples to bring a donkey and colt. He rode into Jerusalem while crowds waved branches and cried:
Hosanna!
Hosanna means Save us now!
The people hoped for a deliverer.
Jesus came—but not as expected.
He entered not on a war horse, but on a donkey.
Why a Donkey?
In the ancient world:
- Kings rode horses in war
- Kings rode donkeys in peace
Jesus came as the Prince of Peace.
The Table and Betrayal
Only days later, another scene unfolds.
Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
At the meal Jesus said:
“One of you will betray Me.”
Each disciple asked:
“Surely not I, Lord?”
Palm Sunday celebration now becomes heart examination.
Psalm 118
The crowd quoted Psalm 118 on Palm Sunday:
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Later the Psalm says:
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
Why Palm Sunday Matters
R – Reasons We Believe
- Jesus Has Authority
He told the disciples:
“The Lord needs them.”
Lord is not merely a name. It is a title of rightful authority.
Jesus is Lord.
- Jesus Uses Humility as Power
Across Jerusalem, Pilate likely entered the city with soldiers, horses, and visible force.
Jesus entered differently:
- humility
- gentleness
- peace
- compassion
- love
The world often values domination. Jesus demonstrates servant leadership.
- Jesus Fulfills Prophecy
His entrance fulfilled Zechariah 9:9:
Your King comes humble, riding on a donkey.
- Jesus Knows the Human Heart
The same city shouting “Hosanna” would soon cry “Crucify.”
How to Honor Palm Sunday
O – Obedience in Action
Palm Sunday Reflection and Prayer
Question 1: Who Is This?
Who is Jesus to you?
- Savior
- Lord
- Teacher
- Healer
- King
- Friend
- Liberator from sin and fear
Your answer shapes your life.
Practical Response
If Jesus is Savior:
- trust Him
If Jesus is Lord:
- obey Him
If Jesus is Healer:
- bring Him your wounds
If Jesus is King:
- give Him first place
Question 2: Surely Not I?
Could I betray Jesus in smaller ways?
We may not sell Him for silver, but we can drift through:
- greed
- unforgiveness
- pride
- neglect
- hypocrisy
- silence when love is needed
Practical Response
This week:
- forgive someone
- apologize if needed
- serve quietly
- pray honestly
- turn from habits that harden your heart
- make room for Christ daily
Walking with Christ Through Holy Week
W – Walk It Out
Holy Week is not meant to be rushed.
Slow down.
Reflect.
Walk with Jesus through each day:
- Palm Sunday – Praise
- Maundy Thursday – Service and Communion
- Good Friday – Sacrifice
- Easter Sunday – Victory and New Life
Family / Neighbor Challenge
Invite someone to walk this week with you:
- attend worship
- share a devotional
- pray together
- offer kindness
- welcome someone new
Beacon of Hope
Even as the road leads to the cross, Christ remains our steady light.
Reflective Questions
- Who is Jesus to me right now?
Possible answers:
- My Savior who forgives me
- My Lord who guides me
- My Healer in a difficult season
- My King who deserves first place
- My Friend who never leaves me
- My Teacher who is shaping me
- Someone I am still learning to trust
- Someone I know about, but need to know more personally
- Does my daily life match that answer?
Possible answers:
- Yes, I am trying to follow Him consistently
- In some areas yes, in others I need growth
- I believe in Him, but my priorities are off
- I trust Him on Sundays more than weekdays
- I need more prayer and Scripture
- I know changes are needed, but I have delayed them
- Where do I need repentance?
Possible answers:
- Unforgiveness
- Pride
- Worry instead of trust
- Neglecting worship
- Speaking harshly
- Greed or selfishness
- Saying I follow Christ without showing love
- Where do I need courage?
Possible answers:
- To forgive someone
- To apologize
- To trust God in uncertainty
- To invite someone to church
- To stand for truth with kindness
- To begin again after failure
- Who can I invite to walk Holy Week with me?
Possible answers:
- A family member
- A neighbor
- A friend who needs encouragement
- Someone who has been away from church
- Someone who is lonely
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You came in humility, truth, and love. Help us welcome You not only with words, but with surrendered hearts.
Forgive us where we have failed You. Teach us to follow You through the cross and into resurrection hope.
Make us people of peace, compassion, and courage.
Amen.
Next Step
Join us this Holy Week.
Come and worship.
Come and walk with us.
Join us for Palm Sunday and Holy Week worship at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Pleasant Grove, welcoming neighbors from western Birmingham and across Jefferson County.
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