Palm Sunday records Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, and what became his triumphal entry into the city.

Jesus had become well known for his powerful teachings which not only offered the poor and powerless hope for a better life, but also offered forgiveness and love.

News of his miracles also spread throughout the area. When his followers discovered that Jesus was coming, they gathered at the gates of the city with palm branches, which they laid on the ground, and cheered his entry into the city. They saw his coming as an announcement that he would overthrow the ruling Romans and restore the Kingdom. They were expecting the triumphal entry of a King.

But that was not who Jesus was or what he was in Jerusalem to do. Instead of a stallion, Jesus arrived on a donkey. Instead of the robes of a king, he came clothed as he always was clothed. He was the very antithesis of the triumphal king and his destination, in Jerusalem at least, wasn’t a throne. It was a cross.

Of course, all of this was still yet to come. On Palm Sunday, in their eyes, he was David or Solomon. They shouted Hosanna and they waved palm branches. In less than a week, they would shout “crucify”.