By 
Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, marks the beginning of the most holy week in the life of our Savior Jesus Christ. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. The accounts of Passion Sunday can be found in all four of the Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. Palm Sunday is referred to as the sixth Sunday of Lent and the final Sunday before Easter.
Jesus’ journey certainly began with a humbled spirit that Sunday as He entered Jerusalem, fully aware of the events that were to come. He rode into the city on a donkey, symbolizing that He was a king who came in peace. Could you even fathom the thought of knowing you were headed towards days of heartache, pain, betrayal, and death? Would you have ridden into your own destiny anticipating the distress ahead?
Matthew: 21:1-3, NIV
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, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
Where did the name Palm Sunday come from? It got its name from the palm branches that were waved by the people in the crowds and strewn in the path of Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. In placing the palm leaves in front of Jesus, His faithful followers demonstrated they accepted Him as their Redeemer. This wasn’t an everyday type of celebration and Jesus was no ordinary person.
Today some churches save the palms to be burnt on Ash Wednesday of the following year; some Christians form a cross out of the palm and keep it in their homes.
Luke 19:37-44, NIV
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.”
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over itand said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
After reading and studying just these verses, I am in awe. I can only imagine how intense the time must have been for everyone involved, even the onlookers.
Palm Sunday reminds us of the real meaning of Easter. We all love a good Easter egg hunt, getting dressed up in our best attire for Church, and having a big meal with our family and friends. But we must always remember the reason for the season. This season I pray that you will take some time out and read Palm Sunday scripture verses with your loved ones, children, friends, and neighbors.
A couple of my favorites:
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
--Philippians 2:8, NIV
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. --John 3:17, NIV
And while you’re at it, studying Scripture and giving praises to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with your loved ones this week, reach out into your communities. Put out your Easter yard signs. Let your neighbors know the reasons why you celebrate this joyous occasion. And pray that more disciples will be won over to Christ. God Bless.
Raynette McMillion
Raynette McMillion holds a bachelor’s degree in English and has studied Theology at Houston Baptist University. She currently works with Mentor Alliance of Tyler as a Mentor, which she absolutely loves. Raynette has been with her current employer for almost 17 years and holds the role as Transportation Manager. She has completed independent studies with the Womenary programs online and loves every study that she has come across. Raynette loves digging deep into God’s word and encouraging others to do the same. She enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with her family, cooking, and teaching the word to others. She wants to use every gift that God has given her to glorify his name. 
