Intro:
Imagine standing on the edge of a dusty road in Jerusalem, surrounded by a throng of people. The air is thick with excitement. Children are laughing, palm branches wave in every direction, and voices are rising together in hope-filled shouts: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
But not everyone knows what they’re celebrating. Some believe Jesus is the warrior king who will overthrow Rome. Others think He’s a miracle worker on the rise. Many cheer simply because the crowd is cheering.
And yet, amid all the celebration, there’s one man who knows exactly why He’s there—and what it will cost.
Palm Sunday is more than a parade. It’s the beginning of the greatest journey in human history—a journey toward the cross, through the tomb, and into eternal life. Today, we step onto that road with Jesus.
Key Questions:
- Who is Jesus to you—just a celebrated figure in history or the King of your heart?
- Are you following Jesus for what He can do for you—or because of who He is?
- How will you respond to Jesus’ invitation to join Him on the journey—through the cross, toward resurrection?
Scripture:
Matthew 21:1-11
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 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. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 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 heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Two Truths That Mark the Journey
The presence of Jesus always draws people.
The presence of Jesus always provokes the question: “Who is this?”
John 14:5-6 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of restoration for all who are willing to take the journey.
In a world today that continues to seek to denounce Him as the risen King, may we be reminded that, 2000 years later, He remains the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Five Reminders That He Is King.
1. The
Of Cloaks And Palm Branches.
A sign of royal honor given to conquerors and kings. But Jesus came for a different kind of victory—one over death itself.
Illustration: Think of a red carpet rolled out for a celebrity or royal figure. It’s a symbol of honor, of recognizing someone’s worth. The people were giving Jesus their version of a red carpet. But they didn’t realize He wasn’t coming to receive glory—He was coming to give His life.
O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Cor. 15:55)
2. The Choosing Of A
To Ride In On.
The donkey fulfilled prophecy and proclaimed peace ( It was the custom of the day for kings who brought peace to ride a donkey)
Illustration:
Imagine expecting a president to arrive in a limousine—but instead, they pull up in a beat-up old pickup truck. You’d be shocked. Jesus chose a donkey, not a warhorse, to show us that His kingdom isn’t about natural power—it’s about peace and humility.
Zech. 9:9 — “Behold, your king is coming to you… humble and mounted on a donkey.”
3. The Shouting Of
.
Hosanna means “Save now!”—a cry for help, for deliverance.
Yet the salvation Jesus offered wasn’t political—it was eternal.
Stay true to your confession, for these same people would change theirs in just a few days.
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom. 10:9
4. Jesus
Over The Condition Of The People.
He knew that many of the ones who were praising Him on Sunday would shout crucify Him on Friday.
He Knew He was the answer to their freedom.
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it, and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41-42
He didn’t cry out of fear—He cried out of love.
5. Only
Could Be the Sacrifice
Illustration: Picture a courtroom where you’re on trial for a serious crime. You’re guilty. The judge is ready to sentence you—but then someone steps in and says, “I’ll take the punishment for them.” That’s what Jesus did. Not because we deserved it, but because we needed it.
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,’” John 11:25
Conclusion -
Let’s walk this journey together because the road to the cross leads to life.
Response:
- Is Jesus your King or just someone you’ve heard about?
- Are you open to His plan, even when it’s different than yours?
- In what area of your life do you need restoration today?