School Leaders' Think Tank

“Hosanna!” they shouted.

“Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord!”

(John 12:13, KJV)

Palm Sunday is one of the most iconic moments in all of Scripture—a crowd shouting praise, palm branches waving, garments thrown before a humble King riding on a donkey. It was a scene full of celebration, symbolism, and prophecy. And yet, just a few days later, those same voices that shouted “Hosanna” would cry “Crucify Him.”

How did things shift so drastically?

Because sometimes… praise misses the point.

The Prophecy Fulfilled

Palm Sunday wasn’t just a spontaneous parade. It was the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 (KJV):

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion… behold, thy King cometh unto thee… lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

Jesus came on purpose. Every detail—His entrance, His mount, His timing—was a fulfillment of divine prophecy. The King was arriving, but not in the way they expected.

The Misunderstood Messiah

The crowd praised, but they misunderstood who they were praising.

They wanted a political liberator—a king who would overthrow Roman oppression and restore national glory. But Jesus came to wage a different kind of war: a spiritual battle against sin and death. They were shouting for salvation from their circumstances, while Jesus came to bring salvation for their souls.

Their praise was loud, but their hearts were blind.

The Humble King

Palm Sunday reminds us that true kingship isn’t always wrapped in royalty. Jesus came, not on a warhorse, but on a donkey—an animal symbolizing peace. His entrance wasn’t meant to intimidate, but to invite.

Philippians 2:7-8 (KJV) says He,

“made himself of no reputation… and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Jesus didn’t come to take a throne—He came to take up a cross.

The Urgency of Worship

Even in the midst of shallow praise, worship had to happen. When the Pharisees told Jesus to quiet the crowd, He responded,

“If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40 KJV)

Praise had to rise—even if the people didn’t fully understand who they were praising.

So… What About Us?

Palm Sunday is a gut check.

Are we praising Jesus for who He is… or for what we want Him to do?

Are we worshiping Him as Lord… or simply celebrating Him as a problem-solver?

Do we follow Him when He’s on the donkey… but abandon Him when He’s on the cross?

Sometimes, we come to church with raised hands and open lips—but our hearts are still holding out for a version of Jesus that looks more like our plans than His purpose.

Let’s not miss the point.

Let Our Praise Be Rooted in Truth

This Palm Sunday, don’t just wave a branch—lay down your will. Don’t just shout “Hosanna”—surrender your heart. Recognize the King not just in His power, but in His purpose. He didn’t come to conquer with force—He came to save through sacrifice.

And that… is worthy of our deepest praise.