Instead of military power or intimidation, the King entered Jerusalem on a donkey. Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem was not a symbol of power but a proclamation of salvation. He came in humility, not pomp. Peace, not power, marked His path.
In John 12:12–16, we find this very scene. Jesus was always heading toward Jerusalem. This was no detour—it was the destination. The miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection pushed tensions to their highest point. While some people believed in Him others reported His actions to the Pharisees. Six days before Passover Jesus returned following a short withdrawal to Bethany which is situated only two miles from Jerusalem where he received anointing.
He made preparations for the events that lay ahead. The large crowd learned about Jesus’ arrival the following day according to verse 12. The moment Jesus entered Jerusalem coincided with the selection of the Passover lambs. John the Baptist proclaimed that He was “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Paul later echoed it: Paul acknowledges Jesus as the Passover lamb who was sacrificed for us according to 1 Corinthians 5:7. An estimated crowd of 2.5 million people gathered for Passover. The people displayed palm branches which stood for victory and peace as they shouted “Hosanna!” The people proclaimed their blessing for the one who arrived under the Lord’s name as the King of Israel! (John 12:13).
Historically “Hosanna” signified “Save us!” yet it transformed to express celebration with “Salvation has come!” Jesus arrived on a donkey instead of a war horse. Zechariah 9: The prophet Zechariah predicted the arrival of a king who would be righteous and deliver salvation while riding a humble donkey. Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. The Bible repeats this command most often: “Fear not.”
Max Lucado writes, “When fear shapes our lives, safety becomes our god… The fear-filled cannot love deeply… cannot dream wildly.”
Looking back they realized that all signs had been leading to this moment. Palm Sunday is a preview. In his initial appearance Jesus arrived riding a donkey. But Revelation 19 paints a different picture: “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.”
The King of kings and Lord of lords name appears on both his robe and thigh. He arrived with peace and will return with power. All hail King Jesus!
