What is the meaning of Palm Sunday?

Quick answer

Palm Sunday remembers Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem the week before his death. Crowds waved palm branches and shouted "Hosanna!" — recognizing him as Messiah even while misunderstanding what kind of King he was.

The triumphal entry fulfills Zechariah 9:9 — the king coming on a donkey, humble and bringing salvation.

The crowds expected political deliverance. They got a Savior who would die for their sins by Friday.

For us Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week — a time to follow Jesus toward the cross, refusing the easy hosannas that don’t survive Friday.

Related

Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.