The Triumph Of Humility: A Reflection On Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time when Christians around the world turn their hearts and minds to the final week of Jesus Christ’s mortal ministry. It is a day of paradoxes: a day of great triumph, yet also a day that foreshadows the suffering and sacrifice that is to come. The Gospels of the Bible gives us a vivid account of this significant and miraculous event, that changed humanity for all time. Generations and generations commence and embrace Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for us – sinners! Our sins nailed to the cross.

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the air was charged with palpable excitement and anticipation. The people spread their garments on the road, and others cut down palm branches, laying them before Him as a carpet of honor. The crowd that gathered was large, their voices united in a chorus of praise: “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest”– Matthew 21:9.

This moment was a fulfillment of prophecy, as foretold by Zechariah: “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” Zechariah 9:9.

Jesus’s choice of a donkey for His triumphal entry was a statement of His kingdom’s nature—His rule was not one of force and domination, but of peace and humility.

Yet, this jubilant procession was tinged with the knowledge of what lay ahead. The same crowds that cried “Hosanna” would, in a few short days, be swayed to shout “Crucify him!” The path of palms would lead to the path of the harsh reality of the cross. But it is through this path of suffering and self-sacrifice that Jesus would ultimately triumph over sin and death, offering salvation to all, and be victorious over death!

As we reflect on Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the power of humility and the strength found in surrendering to God’s will. Jesus’s example teaches us that true leadership is one akin to servant leadership, and true kingship is marked by love and sacrifice. As Jesus so willingly went forward to do so, for each one of us.

As we recognize and reflect on the sacrifice of God giving us His Son, our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ, who fully redeemed us and paid the ultimate price for us – most notably sinners – let’s honor and worship the One and Only LORD of lords, and King of kings – who is worthy, Amen!

Dear Father, on this Palm Sunday, we remember the triumphant entry of Your Son, Jesus Christ, into Jerusalem. We praise You for the humility and grace He displayed, riding on a donkey, welcomed by a sea of palm branches and the joyful shouts of “Hosanna!” Lord, as we enter into this Holy Week, let our hearts be filled with the same spirit of humility and gratitude. Help us to lay down our own branches of pride and self-reliance, that we may follow Christ’s example of selfless love and service. We ask for the courage to walk the path that Jesus walked, from the jubilation of Palm Sunday to the sorrow of Good Friday, and finally to the joy of Easter morning. May we be ever mindful of the sacrifice made for us, and may it move us to live our lives in a manner worthy of such a gift. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King, we pray. Amen.”