Palm Sunday is the Christian observance that remembers Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem shortly before His crucifixion and resurrection.
As Jesus entered the city, people welcomed Him by spreading their clothes and branches along the road and praising Him as the promised King. The Gospel of John specifically records that the crowd carried palm branches.
Palm Sunday is observed on the Sunday before Easter. It begins Holy Week, the period in which Christians remember the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, His death on the cross and His resurrection.
Palm Sunday at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Palm Sunday? | The Christian remembrance of Jesus entering Jerusalem |
| When is Palm Sunday? | The Sunday immediately before Easter |
| Why is it called Palm Sunday? | Because people welcomed Jesus with palm branches |
| What does it begin? | Holy Week |
| Where is the event recorded? | Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19 and John 12 |
| What is its main message? | Jesus is the promised King who came with humility and peace |
What Happened on Palm Sunday?
Jesus and His disciples were travelling towards Jerusalem as the time of the Jewish Passover approached. Near Bethphage and the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples to bring Him a young donkey.
Jesus then rode towards Jerusalem. A large crowd gathered along the road. Some people spread their clothes before Him, while others placed branches on the road.
The crowd praised Him and cried:
“Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” — Matthew 21:9
The event is commonly called the Triumphal Entry. Jesus was publicly welcomed as a king, but His entrance also showed that His kingship would not be based on military force or political domination.
You can read the complete accounts in:
Why Is It Called Palm Sunday?
The name comes from the palm branches carried by the crowd when Jesus entered Jerusalem.
John 12:13 specifically says that the people took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Jesus. Matthew and Mark also describe people cutting down branches and spreading them along the road.
Palm branches were associated with celebration, honour and victory. By carrying them and shouting praise, the people were publicly welcoming Jesus.
The modern name Palm Sunday does not appear in the Bible. It developed within Christian tradition as churches established an annual observance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
What Does Hosanna Mean?
The crowd repeatedly shouted the word Hosanna. The expression carries the sense of “save now” or “please save” and comes from the language of Psalm 118.
By the time of Jesus, it had also become an expression of praise and joyful welcome. The crowd was recognising Jesus as the one through whom they expected God to bring salvation.
They also called Him the Son of David, a title connected with the expectation that God would send a promised king from the family line of David.
Why Did Jesus Ride a Donkey?
Jesus did not enter Jerusalem on the donkey by accident. His actions fulfilled the prophecy recorded in Zechariah:
“Behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass.” — Zechariah 9:9
The donkey communicated humility, but it did not mean that Jesus was denying His kingship. He was deliberately presenting Himself as the promised King described by the prophet.
His entrance showed what kind of king He was:
- A King who came humbly rather than displaying worldly status
- A King whose mission involved peace and reconciliation
- A King who served rather than demanding to be served
- A King whose path to victory would pass through suffering and the cross
What Is the Meaning of Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday has several connected meanings within Christianity.
Jesus Is the Promised King
The crowd welcomed Jesus with words and actions associated with royalty. The event publicly revealed His identity as the promised Messiah and King.
However, the kind of kingdom Jesus brought differed from the political expectations many people may have held. His kingdom was centred on truth, service, righteousness and reconciliation with God.
Jesus Chose Humility
Jesus entered Jerusalem without the outward display normally associated with powerful rulers. His humility was not weakness. It revealed His willingness to serve and obey the Father’s purpose.
Public Praise Must Become Faithful Discipleship
The people praised Jesus openly as He entered Jerusalem. Palm Sunday invites Christians to consider whether their own worship is supported by continuing faith, obedience and commitment.
Following Jesus involves more than joining a joyful celebration. It also includes remaining faithful when His teachings challenge personal expectations or require sacrifice.
The Cross Was Approaching
Palm Sunday begins with celebration, but the Gospel story soon moves towards betrayal, suffering and crucifixion.
This contrast is central to the day. The King welcomed into Jerusalem would give His life rather than defeat His enemies through violence.
Resurrection Hope Was Ahead
Palm Sunday also points beyond the cross towards Easter. Christians remember that the suffering and death of Jesus were not the end of the story.
Why Is Palm Sunday Important to Christians?
Palm Sunday is important because it brings together several central Christian beliefs.
- It identifies Jesus as King: His entrance fulfilled messianic prophecy and revealed His authority.
- It reveals His humility: Jesus came as a servant King rather than a ruler seeking earthly power.
- It begins Holy Week: The day directs attention towards Jesus’ final teachings, death and resurrection.
- It challenges superficial faith: Christians are called to follow Jesus beyond moments of public celebration.
- It points towards salvation: The cries of “Hosanna” connect the entrance of Jesus with humanity’s need for rescue.
Palm Sunday therefore combines praise with preparation. Christians celebrate the arrival of the King while preparing to remember the sacrifice He was about to make.
Palm Sunday and Holy Week
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. Christian traditions organise the week in different ways, but the main observances commonly include:
| Day | What it remembers |
|---|---|
| Palm Sunday | Jesus enters Jerusalem |
| Holy Monday to Wednesday | Events and teachings from Jesus’ final days in Jerusalem |
| Maundy Thursday | The Last Supper, Jesus washing the disciples’ feet and His arrest |
| Good Friday | The crucifixion and death of Jesus |
| Holy Saturday | Jesus’ body remains in the tomb |
| Easter Sunday | The resurrection of Jesus |
Read our guide explaining what Good Friday means and why it is called good.
A Brief History of Palm Sunday
The biblical event itself occurred during the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Christians later established an annual observance to remember it before Easter.
In the early centuries of Christianity, believers in Jerusalem gathered for worship and walked in procession while reading the Gospel account of Jesus’ entrance into the city.
As the practice spread, churches in different regions developed services that included:
- Blessing and distributing palm branches
- Processions into or around the church
- Reading the account of the Triumphal Entry
- Singing hymns based on “Hosanna”
- Reading part or all of the Passion narrative
Where palm trees were unavailable, churches used willow, olive or other local branches. The type of branch varied, but the purpose remained to remember the Gospel event.
How Is Palm Sunday Celebrated?
Palm Sunday practices differ between churches and Christian traditions. Common observances include:
Palm Processions
Some services begin outside the main worship space. The congregation carries palm branches and walks into the church while singing hymns or reading the Gospel account.
Scripture Readings
Churches may read the account of Jesus entering Jerusalem. Some also read the longer Passion narrative to connect Palm Sunday with the events of Good Friday.
Palm Crosses
Some Christians fold palm leaves into the shape of a cross. This joins the joyful entrance of Jesus with the crucifixion that followed later in the week.
Keeping or Returning the Palms
Worshippers may take their palms home as a reminder of the day. In some churches, old palms are returned and burned to provide ashes for the following year’s Ash Wednesday service.
Prayer, Worship and Reflection
Churches may use music, prayer and preaching to explore Jesus’ identity, the meaning of His kingship and the events of Holy Week.
How to Observe Palm Sunday at Home
You can reflect on Palm Sunday even when you are unable to attend a formal church service.
- Read Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44 or John 12:12–19.
- Reflect on what Jesus’ humble kingship means for your own priorities.
- Ask whether your praise is supported by obedience and faithful living.
- Listen to a worship song focused on Jesus as King.
- Pray for humility, courage and willingness to serve others.
- Prepare to read the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper, crucifixion and resurrection during Holy Week.
A Prayer for Palm Sunday
Lord Jesus, I welcome You as King and thank You for coming with humility, mercy and truth.
Help me move beyond words of praise and follow You through faithful choices, obedience and service. Reveal the expectations and ambitions that do not reflect Your kingdom.
As Holy Week begins, prepare my heart to remember Your sacrifice and celebrate the hope of Your resurrection. Teach me to walk in humility, love and peace. Amen.
Palm Sunday Questions
What is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday is the Christian observance of Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. It takes place on the Sunday before Easter and begins Holy Week.
Why is it called Palm Sunday?
It is called Palm Sunday because John’s Gospel records that people carried palm branches when they went out to welcome Jesus.
Is Palm Sunday mentioned in the Bible?
The modern name Palm Sunday is not used in the Bible. However, the event it remembers is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19 and John 12.
Why is Palm Sunday important?
It is important because it reveals Jesus as the promised King, demonstrates His humility and begins the week in which Christians remember His death and resurrection.
What do palm branches represent?
In the biblical and ancient setting, palm branches were associated with celebration, honour and victory. Christians use them to remember the welcome Jesus received in Jerusalem.
Why did Jesus ride a donkey?
Jesus rode a donkey in fulfilment of Zechariah 9:9. The action presented Him as the promised King while emphasising humility rather than worldly display.
What does Hosanna mean?
Hosanna carries the sense of “save now” or “please save.” It also became an expression of praise and welcome.
Why does the date of Palm Sunday change?
Palm Sunday is always observed one week before Easter. Since the calendar date of Easter changes from year to year, Palm Sunday changes with it.
What comes after Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday begins Holy Week. The week continues through Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday before Easter Sunday.
Welcoming Jesus as King
Palm Sunday remembers a joyful public welcome, but its message extends beyond palm branches and celebration.
The day reveals Jesus as the promised King who came with humility, service and peace. It also prepares Christians to remember the suffering, sacrifice and resurrection at the centre of Holy Week.
Read the Palm Sunday accounts through the Jesusfully online Bible, or explore more Christian articles and Bible guides.