Jesus Christ, as the Prince of Peace, is a concept that starts with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday is how the Church refers to that concept, which comes out of the story we find in all four gospels (see Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19).
The Church refers to this story as a triumphal entry of Jesus in the city of Jerusalem, primarily because of the mission Jesus came to do, which is to fulfill God’s Word (Matthew 5: 17).
Remember that his entry into Jerusalem happened about a week before his arrest and eventually dying on the cross!
Let’s first reflect on the story, based on Mark 11: 1-11. We won’t discuss everything, but just a couple or so.
The symbols in the text
The donkey (colt)
Have you ever wondered why did Jesus choose to ride on a donkey?
In his own words, Jesus said that he came to fulfill the law and the prophets (see Matthew 5: 17). And, when it comes to riding on a donkey, Jesus was fulfilling Zechariah 9: 9.
It’s the words of the Prophet Zechariah predicting the coming of the Zion’s King.
And, Jesus riding on a donkey angered the Sanhedrin. In the Jewish tradition, the Sanhedrin is a council made up of between 23 to about 71 elders or rabbi. They played the role of judges and were very knowledgeable of the Jewish law (Moses and the prophets).
The other scripture that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem fulfilled is from Psalm 118: 25-26. Read Mark 11: 9, 10:
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the coming Kingdom of our father David.
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A king on a horse was a symbol of war. But, a king on a donkey was a symbol of peace.
The Palm branches
While Jesus was riding on the donkey, the crowd followed him. And, as they did so, they were also waving branches and shouting part of Psalm 118:
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the coming Kingdom of our father David.
The gospel, according to John, is the only one among the four to mention the use of palm branches.
In Jesus’ days, the Greco-Roman culture was the culture of that time. And, in this culture, palm branches were a symbol of triumph and victory.
Also, during that time, other people (see Ancient religions like in Egypt, etc.) used palm branches during funeral processions. Palm branches symbolized both death and eternal life.
The significance of Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday isn’t just a reminder of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace. It is primarily an invitation of the Prince of Peace into our hearts. His peace is what we need to experience victory over sin and death.
It is also about the truth that Jesus has conquered death and sin on our behalf.
Last but not least, Jesus makes us agents of God’s Kingdom, a rule that establishes peace in people’s lives.
Pray this prayer with me:
Lord Jesus, I invite you into my heart. Come and rule over me. Establish God’s Kingdom in all areas of who I am that I may also become an agent of God’s Peace, not only during this Holy Week but all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!
