Palm Sunday and An Easter Invitation
The Sunday before Easter is known throughout the Christian world as Palm Sunday. It marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Christian calendar. This day commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. This moment symbolized both reverence and hope, setting the stage for the sacred events of His suffering, crucifixion, and ultimately, His glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Before entering Jerusalem, Jesus instructed two of his disciples to bring Him a donkey to ride into the city. They were to find a colt that had never been ridden. This act fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy and recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah. The prophet Zechariah foretold the event:
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
A great multitude of people greeted Jesus, bearing palm leaves, flowering branches, and cloth to cover his path. They shouted praises such as “Blessed be the King that that cometh in the name of the Lord,” and “Hosanna to the Son of David.”
In the book of Revelation, those who praise God are described as “clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” (Revelation 7:9)
When some, not understanding, asked, “Who is this?” the crowd responded, “This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.”
A brief video presents a depiction of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem as found in Matthew 21.
This Palm Sunday has added meaning to me as I’ve been able to reflect and see a depiction of the glory of the Savior entering Jerusalem. My heart cries, “Hosannah!” as I think that he knowingly went forward with the Atonement with me in mind. I hope that if I were among the crowd I would have been one of those who recognized the Savior for who He is.
In his inspiring message on Palm Sunday and Easter, President Russell M. Nelson, the President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflects on the profound significance of Easter and how it offers peace amid life’s challenges. He says:
Because of Him, we do not have to deal with our frailties, sins, and fears alone. Because of Him, death is not the end– ressurection will come to all who have lived. Because of Him, families can be together forever. Because of Jesus Christ we celebrate Easter. And Easter is all about hope.
Make Palm Sunday A Special Day of Remembering the Savior Jesus Christ
President Nelson extends this invitation for Palm Sunday:
On this Palm Sunday, I invite you to make this coming week truly holy by remembering — not just the palms that were waved to honor the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem — but by remembering the palms of His hands
Read a past Easter message article of a video I edited one Sunday afternoon.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a site dedicated to helping you Grow Your Relationship with Jesus Christ During Holy Week and a new one to Experience Jesus Christ’s Greater Love For You.
Image Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
