Palm Sunday and the Kingship of Jesus: What Do You Learn from Its Message?

Gospel John 12:1–8

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom he had raised from the dead. There he was given a meal. Martha served the guests, and Lazarus was one of Jesus’ companions at the table.

Then Mary took a full bottle of very expensive perfumed oil of pure nard, and anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. The whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Then Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, who would betray him, said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii? The money could have been given to the poor.” Now he said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. He had the common money box, and he kept the money put in it. Jesus said to Judas: “Let her alone; she is doing this for my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” (John 12:1–8, second edition)

Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem

Palm Sunday is a feast of the Christian church year, celebrated the week before Easter. It marks an important event when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and attracted great attention. His arrival was accompanied by significant expectations, but also by profound thoughts about the relationship between humiliation and kingship. Today, we can ask what this event teaches us.

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is a significant moment, full of symbolism. When people waved palm branches, they expressed signs of victory. The olive branches, in turn, symbolized peace and hope. This joyful procession was expected in the eyes of his contemporaries; many believed that Jesus would be the savior.

For example, Jerusalem at that time had about 80,000 inhabitants, and the procession was joined by a crowd of people who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. But, while many were rejoicing, others saw him as a threat. This ambivalent atmosphere raised questions about expectations and reality.

Life and Death in the Same Moment

Jesus’ thoughts were not limited to the joy of the moment. It was after this arrival that he began to speak of his death. This was completely contrary to people’s expectations of their Messiah. No one could have guessed the profound significance of his journey. In fact, Jesus did not arrive as a king, as many expected, but he wanted to establish a kingdom of hearts. His kingdom was not visible, and it was not earthly. Love and mercy were the foundation stones of his kingdom.

Expectations and Reality

When people saw Jesus, their expectations were high. This is evident from the high level of respect and awareness of the Messiah. However, the disciples and other close ones could not fully understand Jesus' message and the prophecies of death.

If we had been at the gates of Jerusalem in Jesus' time, we might have asked: would we have believed the traditions or would we have followed him who spoke and acted in a strange way? This question makes us reflect on what kind of confidence we see in ourselves today.

The Kingship of Jesus in Our Hearts

The message of Palm Sunday challenges us to think about what Jesus’ kingship means in practice. Jesus does not want to be just a teacher; he wants to be a true king in our hearts. His kingdom is full of peace, love, and truth.

We must ask ourselves: how can we welcome Jesus into our hearts? We can begin to pray and think about practical actions that we can take to live out his teachings. For example, we can take time each day to pray and, in small actions, share love with our neighbors.

The Path of Descendants: The Tension Between Glory and Humility

The branches of the palm tree and the olive tree symbolize the tension between glory and humility. Jesus’ riding on a donkey signified humility, but it was also a symbol of revolution that challenged the norms of the time. He did not claim superiority, but offered his life and death for all of us. This dualism between glory and humility is also evident today. For many, success requires sacrifice and humility. The way of Jesus calls us to find strength in our weakness and turn setbacks into victory.

A Call to Action: What Next?

Palm Sunday is not just a remembrance of the past; it is also a call for believers to act today. We are challenged to examine our hearts and ask if Jesus is truly our King. Can we live in a way that reflects his kingdom in this world? It is also about self-examination. We can consider what we can do to strengthen our faith and let Jesus rule in our hearts. It all starts with us.

An Open Approach

Church ceremonies and the celebration of Palm Sunday can help us to understand the meaning of Jesus more deeply. They offer an opportunity to experience connection with other believers and share experiences. The power of community can encourage us on the path of Jesus’ kingship. We also need to consider how we can prepare for the great celebration of Easter. What steps can we take to ensure that Jesus can rule in us on a deeper level?

Reflecting on What This Means

Palm Sunday is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ kingship. His message of humility and peace teaches us profound things: love and humility are paramount. Let us open our hearts to the fact that Jesus is king. He wants to be a part of our lives. How do we respond to this invitation? Take a moment to reflect on this and ask for the strength to hear what this means to you. There is much to look forward to, and Palm Sunday is the first step toward Easter—a celebration of victory and resurrection.