There are four gospels in the Bible that give an account of the public ministry, life and death of Jesus of Nazareth. Each was originally written with a different group of people in mind, so while they often share similar accounts, this is not always the case. The events of Palm Sunday, however, are reported in all four gospels.
The setting for the first Palm Sunday was the Jewish Passover celebration in Jerusalem. Passover is one of three pilgrim festivals during which the book of Exodus commands the faithful to journey to Jerusalem with a special offering. Passover commemorates God’s act in freeing the enslaved Israelites from Egypt. In Christian tradition Passover itself evolved into the Maundy Thursday observance we’ll talk about later in the week. In Islam it became the Day of Ashura, a day of fasting in remembrance of the day Moses and his followers escaped Egypt through the parted waters of the Red Sea. Jesus and his early followers were observant Jews so they traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Palm Sunday commemorates his arrival but what does it signify?
There are several symbols associated with Palm Sunday that can help us understand the significance of this day in Christian tradition.
The Donkey. According to the gospels of Mark, Luke and John, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. In Luke the donkey’s colt is also ridden. In all cases the donkey symbolized peace. Warriors and political leaders would enter a city on a horse, a symbol of power, but Jesus entered on a humble donkey. He was not the kind of king that would engage in the world’s politics, but rather be a bringer of peace for those willing to live in the world but not be of it. Sometime in the 5th or 6th century BCE the prophet Zechariah pronounced Israel’s Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. So when Jesus entered on that humble donkey he was acknowledging what he had told many to keep silent up to that point: Jesus was indeed the Messiah.
The Palms. As Jesus entered Jerusalem Luke tells us the people laid garments on the road. This is a sign of respect but it may be helpful to recall the image of a man laying his coat across a puddle for a lady to cross to understand why. Really it is about smoothing the way for one you respect and honor. In Matthew’s gospel the people not only lay their garments on the road but also branches. Mark adds the detail that the branches were leafy. John’s gospel says, “They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!”” In ancient Rome palm branches would be laid on the road in front of a returning warrior. In the ancient Middle East the palm tree was considered a tree of life. In all instances this symbol hints towards the power of life over death. Christians wave palm branches in churches around the world on this day in affirmation that Jesus is one who saves us from death. Indeed the phrase the crowd shouted that day, “Hosanna,” means “Save now!”
The Procession. Not all Palm Sunday celebrations take place in a church. In many countries elaborate processions are held. Perhaps the most well-known are those in Seville, Spain, the Holy Land and in Rome. Last year in St. Peter’s Square more than 70,000 people gathered to participate in Palm Sunday. There is something about acting out the procession that engages the heart and soul in the passion and joy of that first Palm Sunday. In Rome many of the celebrants carry olive branches instead of palm branches as a specific prayer for peace in our world. When Christians wave their branches in a church it is a way of entering the story as if we were part of one of those great processions.
The Stones. A fourth symbol commonly used in Palm Sunday celebrations is a small stone. The Pharisees, religious leaders concerned with making sure everyone followed the religious rules as they interpreted them, asked Jesus to quiet his followers. Jesus responded, “If these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” The stones remind us that we cannot stay silent in the face of injustice. The crowds that shouted, “Hosanna” would soon be silenced by others shouting, “Crucify him.” The danger of staying silent did not end on that Palm Sunday and is poignantly expressed in the words of Martin Niemoller, a Protestant Pastor in Nazi Germany.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.
The palms, the donkey, the procession, the stones, each are a part of the Palm Sunday tradition. Which speaks loudest to you? Many Lake County churches will be observing Palm Sunday this week, why not try one?
Rev. Shannon Kimbell-Auth serves as pastor of the United Christian Parish
