Palm Sunday : Welcoming the King of Peace
“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” – John 12:13
Tomorrow marks Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week—a sacred time of remembrance, devotion, and preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Christians around the world wave palm branches and sing Hosanna, we too are invited into this powerful and prophetic moment that reminds us of the true nature of Christ’s kingship.
✨ What Happened on Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates the day Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, while crowds gathered to welcome Him as the long-awaited Messiah. The people laid palm branches and their cloaks on the ground as a royal welcome, shouting:
“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” (John 12:13)
But the joy of Palm Sunday stands in stark contrast to the sorrow of Good Friday. Within just a few days, some of the same people who praised Jesus would shout “Crucify Him!”—a reminder of how easily our hearts can waver.
🐴 Why Did Jesus Ride a Donkey?
In ancient times, kings rode horses during war and donkeys during times of peace. Jesus’ choice to ride a donkey wasn’t accidental. It fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9:
“See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.”
This symbol of humility was a bold message: Jesus is the Prince of Peace, not a political warrior. He came to conquer not armies, but sin, death, and the grave.
🕊️ What Palm Sunday Teaches Us Today
1. Jesus is Worthy of Our Praise
Palm Sunday calls us to worship—not just with words but with our lives. Just as the crowds laid their garments before Him, we are called to lay down our pride, our fears, our burdens, and follow Him wholeheartedly.
2. Faith Is More Than Excitement
True faith isn’t about emotional moments alone. The same crowd that welcomed Jesus turned on Him when He didn’t meet their expectations. We are challenged to follow Christ even when it’s not easy—even when we don’t understand.
3. We Must Prepare Our Hearts
Palm Sunday marks the start of a spiritual journey. This week, we are invited to walk with Jesus—through the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, the cross, and finally, the empty tomb. Let this week be holy. Let us read the Scriptures, pray more deeply, forgive more freely, and serve more humbly.
⛪ Join Us at All Saints Naivasha
You are warmly invited to join us for our Palm Sunday Service on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 9:00 AM.
There will be a special palm procession, praise and worship, and a powerful message from our Reverend as we reflect on the true meaning of this sacred day.
📍 Location: All Saints Naivasha Anglican Church
📞 Contact: +254742 372 323
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📸 Reflection in Art
This image captures the humble majesty of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem—surrounded by those waving palm branches, full of hope, unaware of the cross to come.
📖 Reflection Questions
- What areas of your life do you need to surrender like laying down your palm branch?
- How can you remain faithful to Jesus, even when He doesn’t respond the way you expect?
- Are you ready to walk through Holy Week with an open and worshipful heart?
🙌 Final Thoughts
Palm Sunday is more than a beautiful tradition—it’s a call to recognize the true King and prepare for the glory of the Resurrection. As we shout Hosanna, may we not just wave palms, but open our hearts wide to receive the Prince of Peace.