Palm Sunday: Rise Up - The King Is Coming!

Palm Sunday marks the first day of Holy Week, the most significant week in human history. It is a moment that draws together the past, the present, and the future in one powerful prophetic picture. This day—Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem—was not just a nice story or a one-off parade. It was a divine declaration, a fulfilment of ancient prophecy, and a bold statement of identity and purpose. It was the day the King came.

A Picture Painted Through Time

Let’s paint the picture of Palm Sunday with three brush strokes: the past, the present, and the future.

Over 600 years before the first Palm Sunday, the prophet Zechariah declared:
"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." — Zechariah 9:9

God spoke. God promised. And God delivered—right down to the detail.

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey wasn’t random or symbolic alone—it was prophecy fulfilled with pinpoint accuracy. That’s the beauty of Palm Sunday: God keeps His Word. It reminds us that the same God who orchestrated that day is still in control today.

As Jesus rode in, the crowds shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mark 11:1-10). Cloaks were laid down. Palm branches were waved. The people recognized something divine—though many misunderstood what kind of King had come.

From Preparation to Purpose

Before entering Jerusalem, Jesus passed through Bethphage, meaning “house of unripe figs”—a place of preparation. He also passed through Bethany, “house of friendship”—a place where love and trust had been cultivated.

Palm Sunday was the culmination of 30 years of preparation and 3 years of radical, selfless love. It was now time to fulfill the mission: to lay down His life. As Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

When Jesus told His disciples to go and untie the colt, He said, “The Lord needs it.” (Mark 11:3). What a statement. Why would an all-sufficient God “need” anything? This wasn’t about lack—it was about partnership. Jesus invites us to untie whatever we’re holding onto and offer it to Him—our gifts, our time, our obedience—so we can carry His presence into our communities.

Three Truths for a Sunday Fit for a King

1. Jesus is Our King

In a world of divided loyalties and fleeting powers, Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus is The King. He’s not just a religious figure—He is sovereign, with a Kingdom that is eternal.

Kings have authority, territory, and citizens. And Jesus, the King of Kings, calls us into His Kingdom—not just as servants but as sons and daughters. We’re invited to pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” When we declare Jesus as King, we’re declaring our allegiance, our trust, and our obedience to His rule in our lives.

2. Jesus is Our Humble King

The people wanted a warrior king, a political deliverer—but Jesus came as a servant. He chose a donkey, not a war horse. He came with peace, not pomp. His victory would not be won by the sword but by the cross.

He’s the King who was born in a stable, not a palace. The one who washed feet instead of demanding tribute. The one who healed the sick, sat with sinners, and submitted in silence before His accusers. He is the Servant King—and this humble strength is what makes Him worthy of worship.

3. Jesus is Our Coming King

The story of Palm Sunday is not just about what has happened—it’s also about what is still to come.

The Bible contains over 327 Old Testament prophecies about Jesus—His birth, His ministry, His death, His resurrection, and yes, His return. Jesus promised: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me”(John 14:3). And He will return—not on a donkey, but on the clouds, with power and glory (Matthew 24:30-31).

Revelation 11:15 proclaims: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever.”

Jesus will judge the nations, gather His people, and establish a new, perfect Kingdom that will never end.

Untie What’s Tied

Mark 11:3 offers a striking image: “Untie the colt—the Lord needs it.” Could it be that in your life, there are things tied up that the Lord wants to use?

• Your story?
• Your time?
• Your influence?
• Your talents?
• Your heart?

Jesus is still looking for willing hearts who will carry Him into their workplaces, schools, families, and communities. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being available.

Palm Sunday in 2025 is not just a memory—it’s a moment. A call to rise up. A declaration that the King is coming. And He’s looking for people ready to say, “Hosanna—save us now.”

5 Food-for-Thought Questions:

1. What in your life is still “tied up” that Jesus might be asking you to release for His purposes?
2. How does knowing the prophetic accuracy of Palm Sunday increase your confidence in God's promises for your future?
3. In what ways does Jesus challenge your understanding of leadership and power through His humble entry?
4. If Jesus is King, what areas of your life still need to come under His rule?
5. Are you living today with the expectation that the King is coming again? How does that impact your choices?

Let this Palm Sunday be more than a celebration—let it be a response. Because the King has come, the King is coming, and the King is calling.

Jon Baldwin, Associate Leader, Home Church.