PALMS TO PASSION-HOLY WEEK

Philippians 2:5–11; Luke 19:28–40    

Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem. The city was preparing for a massive Passover celebration that would last all week. As they approached the Mount of Olives, Jesus stopped and gave His disciples some specific instructions. He said, “Go into the village ahead of you. As you enter, you’ll find a young donkey tied there, one that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it to me. And if anyone asks why you’re taking it, just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

Sure enough, the disciples found the donkey exactly as Jesus said. And when the owner questioned them, they replied just as He had instructed: “The Lord needs it.” They brought the donkey to Jesus and laid their coats over it, giving Him a soft seat as He rode into town.

Word spread quickly—Jesus was coming! People had heard about His miracles: healing the sick, feeding thousands, even raising the dead. The city stirred with excitement.

Now picture the scene: a parade is breaking out—cheers, laughter, waving palm branches. It was like the arrival of a hero. People lined the streets shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!” They laid their cloaks on the road and waved palm branches, hoping this miracle-worker might be the one to bring them freedom. The palm tree symbolizes honor and joy as well as victory and prosperity. There are many places in the Bible that mention palms.

But even in this joyful celebration, there was a shadow on the road ahead. Jesus wasn’t coming as a conquering warrior on a stallion—He came riding a humble donkey. He knew where this path would lead. And still, He rode on.

The crowds were excited, but they didn’t fully understand. They expected a king who would set up an earthly kingdom, drive out the Romans, and give them peace and prosperity. They wanted someone who would serve their desires, not save their souls. In just a few days, many of those same voices shouting “Hosanna!” would cry out “Crucify Him!” Why? Because Jesus wasn’t the kind of king they wanted. But He was the King they needed.

Jesus came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. His path would lead to self-giving, suffering, and the cross. And yet—He went willingly.

Today, we join the crowd in praise, shouting, “Hosanna, Lord save us!”—not because we expect comfort, but because we wave palms in honor of Jesus who triumphed over the world through his boundless love and bestowed upon us the gift of eternal life. We believe He is the way, the truth, and the life.

Friends, His crown was made of thorns, and His throne was a cross. And still today, we try to avoid suffering. We want resurrection without sacrifice. But hear me: there is no Easter without Good Friday. There is no new life without dying to the old.

This week is more than palm branches and parades. It’s the journey from celebration to crucifixion, from joy to sacrifice, from death to resurrection. That’s why we walk through Maundy Thursday and Good Friday before we arrive at Easter morning. This is the path from palms to passion, suffering to glory, darkness to light.

We fix our eyes on the King—not a king who dominates by force, but One who reigns in love. He was betrayed, arrested, and falsely accused. Religious leaders couldn't bear His truth, so they handed Him over to the Romans, accusing Him of rebellion. Yet Pilate, the Roman governor, could find no fault in Him.

Still, the crowd roared louder: “Crucify Him!” Pilate gave in. He chose politics over justice because if a riot were to occur, he would risk losing his position. He washed his hands, but he couldn’t wash away his guilt.

Jesus—our sinless Savior—did not resist. He bore our sins. He carried our shame. He walked the road to Calvary with the weight of the world on His back. They mocked Him, crowned Him with thorns, and nailed Him between criminals.

At noon, darkness fell. And at three o’clock, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” He wasn’t afraid to die—but He felt the pain of being separated from the Father as He took on the sin of the world.

And with a final cry—“It is finished!”—He gave up His spirit. That wasn’t a cry of defeat—it was a shout of victory! ‘Tetelestai’—Paid in full! The debt of sin was canceled forever.

A hardened Roman centurion, who had overseen many executions, stood there and said, “Surely this man was the Son of God.” Even in death, Jesus revealed His glory.

Joseph of Arimathea, a quiet but faithful disciple, stepped forward and offered his own tomb. Jesus was buried. But praise God—the grave could not hold Him.

The story doesn’t end in the tomb. He has risen, indeed!

Today is Palm and Passion Sunday. As Paul tells us in Philippians 2: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Though He was in very nature God, He humbled Himself—becoming a servant, washing feet, carrying a cross, and laying down His life. But then—God raised Him up and gave Him the name above every name!

And one day—every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

So, what does this mean for us today? It means we can face hard times with hope. It means that when life gets dark, we hold on—because Sunday is coming. It means we don’t just wave palms on Sunday and forget the cross on Friday.

Let us walk with Jesus this Holy Week—through every moment, from the joy of the palms to the sorrow of the cross. Let His love fill our heart again. Let His sacrifice change us. Because friends, Easter is coming.

Let us die to sin and rise with Christ. Let us follow Him to the cross—because beyond that cross, there is life, and hope, and resurrection.

Praise be to God, and to Jesus Christ—our Savior, our King, our Redeemer. Amen.