If someone famous came to Doylestown today, who would draw the biggest crowd—an actor, athlete, author, or even the Easter Bunny?
Over 2,000 years ago, someone truly famous entered Jerusalem—and the city erupted. That someone was Jesus. The moment is known as the Triumphal Entry, which we celebrate on Palm Sunday. It marked the beginning of Jesus’ final week before the cross.
Jesus had spent three years healing, teaching, performing miracles, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. As He entered Jerusalem, the excitement was tangible. But Jesus wasn’t on vacation—He came with a purpose. He came to fulfill prophecy, declare Himself as King, and ultimately give His life.
Palm Sunday launches Holy Week, and it calls us to reflect on Jesus as our King. Let’s look closely at Luke 19:28–44 and consider this question: What is our response to Jesus?
1. Surrender (Luke 19:34–36)“They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’” (v. 34)
The first response we see is surrender. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey—a fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9. The donkey’s owners willingly let it go, recognizing that Jesus had a greater purpose for it.
People laid their coats on the road—symbols of comfort being surrendered. Others waved and laid down palm branches—symbols of victory and pride, now laid at the feet of a humble King.
To welcome Jesus is to surrender our comfort, control, pride, and even what we value most. It might mean forgiving someone who wronged you, letting go of a dream, or stepping out of your comfort zone in faith. Surrender says, “Jesus, You are King—not me.”
2. Celebration (Luke 19:37–38)“Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” (v. 38)
Next, we see celebration. As Jesus descended the Mount of Olives, the crowd erupted in praise, quoting Psalm 118. “Hosanna” means “save us,” and it evolved into a joyful declaration of salvation and praise.
The people were filled with hope—Jesus had come! They didn’t fully understand His mission, but they couldn’t help but rejoice.
Worship happens when we realize who Jesus truly is. It’s the natural overflow of a heart that recognizes salvation. Just like standing at the edge of the ocean reminds us how small we are, worship puts us in our place—in the best way.
Even though the crowd didn’t realize it, Jesus was fulfilling prophecy to the very day. According to Daniel 9:25, this moment had been foretold—down to the exact number of days from the command to rebuild Jerusalem to the coming of the Messiah.
3. Change (Luke 19:41–44)“As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it...” (v. 41)
Jesus wept—not because He was surprised, but because He saw what was coming. He saw spiritual blindness, missed opportunities, and a people who didn’t understand the kind of peace He offered.
The same crowd shouting “Hosanna” would soon yell “Crucify Him.” They expected a political savior—not a suffering one. But Jesus came to change hearts, not governments.
When Jesus is welcomed, things can’t stay the same. He exposes what needs to change in us. Maybe it’s a habit, a relationship, a mindset, or a lack of spiritual discipline. Real transformation requires more than emotion—it requires action. As one pastor put it: Change is tough now but better later. Not changing is tough now—and worse later.
Palm Sunday is just the beginning. Jesus was welcomed as a King, but He would soon suffer as our Savior. He did it all out of love—for you and for me.
So what’s your response?
- Will you surrender what you’re holding back?
- Will you celebrate with worship and gratitude?
- Will you allow Jesus to bring real change?
When Jesus is truly welcomed, He brings surrender, celebration, and change. Let’s not just shout “Hosanna!” with our lips—let’s live it with our lives.
