by Debbie Wicker BCCC
We continue our series on key events in the Bible. Today, we focus on a remarkable moment: Jesus entering Jerusalem to worship at the Temple for Passover—an event many know as Palm Sunday.
Jesus was a devout Jew, faithfully observing the requirements of the law, including the Passover sacrifice of a lamb. But His entry into Jerusalem was far more than a religious obligation. Riding on a donkey, Jesus fulfilled prophecy and announced to the world that He was the Messiah. He knew the suffering and betrayal that awaited Him, yet out of love for us, He came willingly.
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
Matthew 21:1-11 describes the scene:
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
The disciples did as Jesus instructed. They brought the donkey and the colt, placing their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks and tree branches on the road, shouting:
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the city buzzed with curiosity. “Who is this?” they asked. The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Jesus Came in Peace
Jesus rode in on a donkey to symbolize His peaceful mission. He came as the Messiah, approachable and available to all. Despite knowing the suffering, betrayal, and crucifixion that awaited Him, He came for us out of love.
His second coming will be very different. He will return as a king and judge, and all will recognize Him. But His first coming was marked by humility and service.
Jesus Came in Peace to Serve in Humility
Entering Jerusalem on a donkey reflected Jesus’ humility. He loved humanity so deeply that He willingly submitted to the Father’s will, even knowing the horrific fate that awaited Him. His obedience and humility are awe-inspiring—a reminder of the greatest act of love in human history.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus revealed the weight of what He was about to endure:
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane… He began to be sorrowful and troubled. He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
He returned to His disciples and found them
He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” (Matthew 26:36-46 NIV)
Jesus Pleads With His Father
In Gethsemane, Jesus expressed His anguish and pleaded with God to remove the cup of suffering if possible. Yet He surrendered fully to the Father’s will, knowing that this path was the only way to redeem humanity. Imagine the sorrow of God the Father, sending His Son to endure such pain. Jesus’ willingness to face the cross demonstrates His immeasurable love and obedience.
His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was more than a prophetic act—it was a profound demonstration of peace, humility, and sacrificial love. By understanding this, we can honor and appreciate the depth of what Jesus accomplished for each of us.
Reflection:
Palm Sunday reminds us that the Messiah came not as a conquering warrior, but as a humble servant. Jesus’ approachability, His love, and His obedience to the Father are powerful examples for us today. As we remember His first coming, we also look forward with hope to the day He returns—not in humility this time, but in glory as King of all.
About the Author
Debbie Wicker is a Board Certified Christian Counselor who brings a thoughtful mental health perspective to the study of the Bible. With more than 15 years of counseling experience, Debbie helps individuals understand Scripture not only spiritually, but emotionally and psychologically as well.
Before entering counseling, Debbie was a partner in a Big 8 public accounting firm, where she built a successful career in management consulting. After a mid-life career change, she felt called to integrate faith and mental health — equipping others to grow spiritually while addressing real-life struggles with wisdom and compassion.
Through the-Bible.net, Debbie writes to help readers better understand God’s Word, human nature, and the transforming power of Christ.