Palm Sunday
Today is a special day! Some call it the 6th and final Sunday of Lent. Some call it “Passion” Sunday, the first day in Jesus’ week of suffering (pasxw), ending with His death/resurrection. Some call it the greatest procession/parade for a Person in history. Some call it the triumphal entry of King Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Most call it Palm Sunday. What is most meaningful for you about Palm Sunday?

The MODE of Transportation?
Jerusalem was known as the City of the Great King (Ps. 48:1-2). Jesus’ entered it humbly and peacefully, riding on a colt, the foal of a donkey. This was more than the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9. Back then, it was common for kings to arrive by a procession on a donkey. And, this colt, on which no one had ever sat, implied a purity that destined it for a sacred task.

The MULTITUDE?
Even before Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd had been gathering. They’d heard of His teachings and healings. They were going before Him and after Him. They were spreading their cloaks and palm branches before Him.They were rejoicing, praising God, and shouting at Him with loud voices. The “whole world” was going after him. And, Jerusalem was getting stirred up (quake)!

The MESSAGE?
In Matthew 21:9 (ESV), the crowds were crying, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” In their praise of Jesus, they were quoting Ps. 118:25-26, an acknowledged prophecy of the Christ. But, they were not only crying out, “Hosanna, Lord save us!” They were waving palm branches, a symbol of triumph and victory.

The MESSIAH!
We know the Jews/crowds looked for Jesus to enter Jerusalem triumphantly as King, to openly accept messianic titles, and to fulfill several OT prophecies. They expected Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom. All thanks be to God! They didn’t see clearly His express purpose: Jesus, our Messiah, entered Jerusalem in humility to fulfill God's plan of salvation by laying down His life for sinners.

Closing Prayer
Let’s pray. Lord, in ancient times, palm branches symbolized goodness and victory. They were often depicted on coins and important buildings. Solomon had them carved into the walls and doors of the temple. Lord, in eternity, people from every nation will raise palm branches to honor Jesus. Lord, today, help us take our palm branches out and shout, “Hosanna! Praise God! Lord, save us!”

Small Group Questions
*Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever seen? What kind of crowd followed them? How did you feel when you saw them?
*Read Matthew 21:1-11. Why were the people so excited to see Jesus? How did they show their love toward their “Messiah”?
*Palm Sunday is often titled “The Triumphal Entry of Jesus”. Why do you think it was called this? What had He come to do?
*Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. What else happens to Jesus during this week? Why did all of this have to happen?
*On Ash Wednesday, the ashes were from burnt Palm Sunday fronds. Why is this? How does this impact your faith in Jesus?
*Why is it important for us to shout, “Hosanna! Lord, save us! Praise God!” both today and every day of our life?

Family Memory Verse
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” - Matthew 21:9 (ESV)