Palm Sunday Feast Study
Palm Sunday - Feast Bible study
Palm Sunday is a Christian feast that commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, a week before his crucifixion and resurrection. It is also known as Passion Sunday, because it marks the beginning of the passion, or suffering, of Jesus.
The biblical account of Palm Sunday can be found in all four Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. According to these accounts, Jesus and his disciples were approaching Jerusalem from the east, and Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead to get a colt for him to ride on.
As they entered the city, a large crowd of people spread their cloaks and palm branches on the ground, shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" This was a common practice in ancient times to welcome a king or a conqueror.
The crowd recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the one who had come to save them. However, Jesus did not come as a political ruler, but as a humble servant, riding on a donkey.
The significance of the palm branches is rooted in the Jewish tradition, where they were used as symbols of victory and triumph. The people who welcomed Jesus with palm branches were acknowledging him as the victorious King who had come to save them.
As Christians, we celebrate Palm Sunday to remember Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and to reflect on the meaning of his coming. It reminds us that Jesus is our King, who came to save us from sin and death.
Palm Sunday also marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Christian calendar, which culminates in the celebration of Easter. It is a time for us to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and to prepare our hearts to celebrate his resurrection.
In summary, Palm Sunday is a feast that commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed as a king and recognized as the Messiah. It reminds us of the significance of his coming and prepares us for the celebration of Easter.