Palm Sunday is a day that we remember Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, triumphantly entering Jerusalem for the Passover feast. It is the start of what we call “Holy Week,” or the week leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus. This was one of the busiest days of the year in the city, yet we learn a lot about Jesus by looking at the way that he carried himself on this day. He chose the seemingly most unworthy animal, a donkey, to carry him into the city, but this shows us that Jesus is gracious and can use anyone and everyone to bring glory to his Kingdom. This was also the first time that Jesus publicly accepted the praises of the people in his ministry. Although he knew that they would soon betray him, turning him over to be tried and crucified, he still chose to show them love and remain obedient to what God had called him to do during that week. Finally, even prior to his entry, he chose to live a sinless life, making him the perfect sacrifice to take on the sin of the world in death and redeem man’s relationship with God forever through his resurrection. He willingly offered his life to save the world, and this is why we celebrate.

There is a big difference between being selected for service and offering your service.

1. Perfect Lamb

In Jewish tradition, the blood of a spotless lamb represented the covering of sins. This representation turned into a tangible and real covering of sins by the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. Jesus offered himself as the perfect lamb to pay for our sins. We no longer have to sacrifice animals, but accept his sacrifice. He not only died for us but lived for us.

John 1:29

Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

2.  Gracious King

Jesus chose to humble himself and ride on the lowliest of animals when being presented as king to show that his grace and power extends to everyone, regardless of who they are.

Matthew 21:5

“Say to Daughter Zion “see, your king comes to you gentle riding in a donkey and on a colt, the foal of a donkey”

Palm Sunday is a remembrance of Jesus’ choice to take the place of the spotless lamb and make the ultimate sacrifice. Hosanna went from a cry for help to a shout of exaltation. We no longer have to scramble for the perfect sacrifice because Jesus gave us salvation here and now. Despite our flaws, God knows us to the core and gave us exactly what we needed. Jesus pursues us before we could even seek him. He knows us the best and loves us the most.