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Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week—the final days leading up to the cross and resurrection. It’s a powerful moment in scripture when Jesus enters Jerusalem, not as a conquering warrior but as a humble, peaceful King.

Matthew 21:8-9 - And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David!  ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’  Hosanna in the highest!”

The people shouted, “Hosanna!” which is (from the Hebrew "hoshi'a na,” meaning "save now"!) a cry of praise and a plea for salvation, often used in the context of welcoming Jesus as the Messiah. Their hearts were crying out for rescue. Many expected Jesus to overthrow Roman rule and establish a political kingdom, but Jesus had a greater mission. He came not to take an earthly throne but to take His place on the cross.

He came not just to fix circumstances but also to fix hearts. He came not to rule by force but to serve and save by love.

Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, not a war horse—a symbol of humility and peace. Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, not the kind of king the people expected.

Zechariah 9:9 - “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!  Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy exactly. He knew what lay ahead in Jerusalem: betrayal, suffering, the weight of sin, and the cross.  Yet when he came,  He didn’t turn back. He moved forward, driven by love for you and me.

Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus is the true King who saves not only from external enemies but also from sin, shame, and death. He may not always work the way we expect but He always works for our good.

This week, let’s open our hearts again to the King. Let’s lay down every expectation, burden, and sin at His feet, just as the crowds laid their cloaks and palm branches before Him. Let’s worship Him not just for what we want Him to do but for who He is: Savior, Redeemer, and King.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus.   Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to save us not with power and pride but with humility and love. Thank You for going to the cross for me. I welcome You into my heart today. Be King over my life, thoughts, and every part of me. Help me lay down everything at Your feet and trust you fully. You are worthy of all praise! Hosanna in the highest! In Your name, I pray, Amen.