Mark 11:7–10 “7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. 8 And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ 10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!””

The King's Entry: Celebrating the Palm Parade

Bible Passage: Mark 11:7–10

Summary: The passage highlights Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a young donkey, a moment celebrated by crowds waving palm branches, symbolizing victory and peace.

How this passage could point to Christ: The Palm Parade serves as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, emphasizing His role as the Messiah and King who brings peace and salvation to all.

Big Idea: In celebrating Jesus' entry into our lives, we acknowledge His rightful place as our King and Savior—inviting Him to lead us into renewed hope and strength.

Introduction

In Philippians 2:7, Paul writes that Jesus 'made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.' This humbling act of divinity showcases that true greatness in God’s kingdom is marked by lowering oneself, not by elevating one’s own status. During a time when power and prestige were sought after, Jesus modeled the humility that calls us to serve others, setting a powerful example for us to follow.

Brothers and sisters, today we gather to remember and reflect on a moment of deep significance in the life of our Lord — Palm Sunday — the day Jesus entered Jerusalem, not as a warrior on a steed, but as the Prince of Peace, riding on a humble donkey.

This was no ordinary entrance. It was a fulfillment of prophecy — Zechariah had declared centuries before: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

As Jesus descended the Mount of Olives, the crowds began to gather. They laid down their cloaks on the road and waved palm branches, a symbol of victory and joy. And they shouted with one voice: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” They recognized, if only for a moment, that their long-awaited Messiah had arrived.

But friends, Palm Sunday is more than a celebration — it's a divine paradox. The people were expecting a conquering king to overthrow Rome, but Jesus came to conquer something far greater: sin, death, and the grave. He came not with an army behind Him, but with a cross before Him.

This day marks the beginning of what we call Holy Week — the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. In just a few short days, the cheers of “Hosanna” would turn into the shouts of “Crucify Him.” But don’t miss this: Jesus knew that. And still, He rode on.

Palm Sunday reminds us of who Jesus truly is: the Servant King, the Savior of the world, the Lamb who was willing to be slain. He is worthy of our praise — not just when the crowd is cheering, but even when the road leads to the cross.

So today, as we wave our palms — whether literally or in our hearts — let us lift up our voices not just with celebration, but with surrender. Let us prepare not just for Easter’s empty tomb, but for the sacrifice that made it possible.

The Humble King (v.7)

Illustration: Imagine the president coming to your town—but instead of arriving in a limo with security, he shows up on a bicycle, in regular clothes. It would shock everyone. That’s how Jesus came into Jerusalem: not on a majestic horse, but on a borrowed donkey.

The Symbolism of the Colt

The choice of a colt for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is laden with symbolism. Unlike a mighty steed that a conquering king might ride, a colt signifies humility, and peace. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, chooses a humble animal to demonstrate His approach to kingship. He comes not to conquer by force but to offer salvation and reconciliation between God and humanity. The colt reflects Jesus' gentle and meek nature, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

The Cloaks and Branches

As Jesus rides into Jerusalem, many spread their cloaks on the road, while others lay down branches cut from the fields. This act of laying down cloaks is a gesture of submission and honor, recognizing Jesus as their king. It is an acknowledgment of His authority and a willingness to receive Him. The branches signify victory and celebration, reminiscent of the palm branches used in the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing joy and deliverance. Together, these actions form a heartfelt welcome for the Messiah.

Scripture Support:

Zechariah 9:9 — “Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey.”

Philippians 2:6–8 — Jesus "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped... he humbled himself."

Jesus rides not a war horse, but a young colt—symbolizing peace and humility.

He fulfills Zechariah 9:9: "Behold, your king comes... humble and riding on a donkey."

His entry contrasts with the world’s idea of kingship: not with swords or soldiers, but with grace and gentleness.

Application: Jesus enters our lives not with force, but with gentleness. Are we willing to let go of our pride to welcome Him on His terms?

The Devotion of the Crowd (v.8)

Illustration: When celebrities walk the red carpet, people scream, take photos, and throw flowers. This crowd does something deeper—they lay down their cloaks, a personal sacrifice symbolizing surrender and honor.

Scripture Support:

2 Kings 9:13 — When Jehu was made king, people spread garments under him.

Romans 12:1 — “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice…”

Application: What are you laying down for Jesus? Time? Control? Your image? True worship is sacrificial.

The Praise of the People (v.9–10)

Illustration: “Hosanna” means “Save us now!” Think of someone waving down an ambulance—they’re desperate. The crowd praised Jesus with expectation, hoping He would overthrow Rome—but He came to conquer sin and death.

Hosanna: A Cry for Salvation

The crowd's cries of "Hosanna!" are deeply significant. The term "Hosanna" means "save us now" and is a plea for deliverance. The people recognize Jesus as the one who can save them and bring the kingdom of God. They proclaim, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" indicating their belief that Jesus is sent by God to fulfill His divine purpose. Furthermore, "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" connects Jesus to the Davidic lineage, affirming His role as the promised Messiah who will restore the nation of Israel.

Scripture Support:

Psalm 118:25–26 — “Save us, we pray, O Lord!... Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

John 1:11 — “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”

Luke 19:41–44 — Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, knowing they missed the true meaning of His coming.

Application: What kind of king are you looking for? One who solves your problems—or the One who saves your soul?

Final Illustration: The Misunderstood King

In 1940s France, a resistance leader disguised himself as a poor farmer and went village to village organizing people to fight the Nazis. Many ignored him because he didn’t look “important.” But those who listened to him changed the course of history.

Jesus didn’t come in grandeur, but He came with power that transforms eternity. Don’t miss your moment because He doesn't look how you expected.

The Relevance for Us Today

As we reflect on Jesus' triumphal entry, we must consider what it means for us today. Jesus invites us to welcome Him into our lives with the same fervor and adoration expressed by the crowd in Jerusalem. We are called to lay down our cloaks—our pride, our fears, our sins—and allow Jesus to take His rightful place as the King of our hearts. We must shout "Hosanna!" in our daily lives, seeking His salvation and embracing His kingdom.

Conclusion: What Will You Do with This King?

Will you lay down your cloak, or hold tightly to your own plans?

Will you shout "Hosanna!" only when life feels good, or every day with surrendered faith?

Will you receive Jesus as He is—humble, loving, Savior, King?

Challenge to the Church:

Jesus rode into Jerusalem to die for you. He didn’t come to take over a throne—but to take up a cross. Now He invites us to pick up our own cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23).

The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is a powerful reminder of His humble yet mighty kingship. It is an invitation to recognize Him as our Savior and King, to honor Him with our lives, and to celebrate the arrival of His eternal kingdom. Let us join in the chorus of "Hosanna!" and welcome Jesus with open hearts, for He comes to bring salvation, peace, and everlasting joy.