Introduction

Welcome, beloved family, to this blessed gathering where we come together, not as strangers, but as brothers and sisters in Christ. It is indeed a joy to see each one of you here today, eager and ready to drink from the fountain of God's Word. Today, we stand on the precipice of a remarkable narrative, a story that is as old as time itself, yet as fresh and as life-giving as the morning dew.

We are here to reflect upon the momentous occasion that marks the beginning of the Passion Week - Palm Sunday. A day that held in its heart a promise fulfilled, a day that signified something far greater than what met the eye, and a day that prepared the path for the most profound week in human history.

In the words of the revered Christian author, Charles Spurgeon, "The sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which the believer rests his head at night, giving perfect peace." Today, we rest our minds and hearts on this divine sovereignty, as we turn our attention to the prophetic promises fulfilled, the significance of Palm Sunday, and the preparation for the Passion Week. Let us read from the book of Mark, chapter 11 verses 1 through 11:

"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 'Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.' They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, 'What are you doing, untying that colt?' They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!' 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!' Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve."

Prophetic Promises Fulfilled

When we look at the events of Palm Sunday, we find a rich tapestry of prophetic fulfillment. It's like a puzzle where every piece fits perfectly, revealing a beautiful picture of God's sovereign plan. The first piece of this puzzle is the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, where the prophet Zechariah foretold of a king coming to Jerusalem, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Fast forward to the time of Jesus, we see this prophecy coming to life. Jesus, the King of Kings, entered Jerusalem not on a warhorse as earthly kings would, but on a humble colt. This was a clear sign to the people of Israel that their long-awaited Messiah had come. But Jesus was not just any king; He was a different kind of king.

Next is the reaction of the people. The people of Jerusalem recognized the significance of Jesus riding on a colt. They responded by spreading their cloaks on the road and waving palm branches, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" This was a fulfillment of Psalm 118:26, a messianic psalm that the Jews sang at Passover. The term "Hosanna" means "save us now," and by shouting this, the people were acknowledging Jesus as their Savior.

The third piece of the puzzle is the location. Jesus entered Jerusalem through the Mount of Olives, which was significant because it fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 14:4, which states that the Messiah would stand on the Mount of Olives. The Mount of Olives was also significant because it was the place where King David wept when he was driven out of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:30). Now, the Son of David was returning to Jerusalem, not in tears, but in triumph.

Finally is the timing. Jesus entered Jerusalem on the tenth day of Nisan, the day when the Passover lamb was selected (Exodus 12:3). By entering Jerusalem on this day, Jesus was declaring Himself as the Passover Lamb, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

In all these, we see how God's prophetic promises were fulfilled in the events of Palm Sunday. Every detail, every event, every reaction was orchestrated by God to fulfill His Word. God is in control, that His Word is trustworthy, and that His promises are sure.

These prophesies all point to Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. They reveal His character, His mission, and His love for us. They show us that He is a king who is humble, a savior who is willing to die for us, and a God who keeps His promises.

Palm Sunday's Significance

The narrative of Palm Sunday, as we read in Mark 11:1-11, is rich with symbolism and significance ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO