The Palm Sunday, Welcoming the Humble King Jesus Christ
The story of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem is a significant event in the Bible, marking the beginning of the final week of his earthly ministry before his crucifixion and resurrection. It’s recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19.
Bible Story Summary
As Jesus and his followers got close to Jerusalem, near the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead.
He told them to go to the next village and they would find a young donkey tied up, with its mother. He said to untie them and bring them to him. If anyone asked what they were doing, they should just say, “The Lord needs them,” and the owners would let them go.
So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.”
So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. This was special because it showed that Jesus was the promised king, just like the prophets had said long ago.
As Jesus rode towards Jerusalem, a huge crowd of people was very excited. They spread their coats on the road in front of him, like a carpet for a king.
The people walking in front of Jesus and those following behind were shouting loudly
Others cut branches from palm trees and laid them down on the road too, waving them in the air.
“Hosanna to the Son of David!” (This means “Save us now!” and they were calling Jesus the special king from David’s family.)
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (This was a way to welcome someone important.)
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
They were so happy and thought Jesus was coming to be their earthly king right then and there.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on the donkey, the whole city was buzzing with excitement. People were asking, “Who is this?” And the crowds answered, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Some of the religious leaders, called Pharisees, were in the crowd and they didn’t like all the people praising Jesus like this. They told Jesus to tell his followers to be quiet. But Jesus said, “If they kept quiet, even the stones would start shouting!”
Jesus entered Jerusalem not as a warrior king, but as the Prince of Peace,
fulfilling the prophecy:
“See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)
Why This Story is Important:
- It showed that Jesus was the Messiah, the promised king. Riding on a donkey was a sign of peace and humility, different from kings who rode on warhorses.
- It was a moment of great hope and excitement for the people. They thought Jesus was going to set up his kingdom and save them.
- It was the beginning of the last week of Jesus’ life. Soon after this joyful entry, things would get very difficult for Jesus, leading to his crucifixion.
The Triumphal Entry is a reminder that Jesus came as a different kind of king – a king of peace and love, who ultimately came to save people from their sins, not just from earthly rulers.
Triumphal Entry of Palm Sunday (Mark 11:1-11) Printable Bible Lesson & Sunday School Activities PDF