Palm Sunday in the Bible is the day Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, and the crowd welcomed him with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna.” It is remembered as the start of Holy Week and points ahead to Jesus’ death and resurrection.

What happened

Jesus sent disciples to get a donkey and colt, then rode into Jerusalem in a way Christians see as fulfilling the prophecy of a humble king. The crowd spread cloaks and branches on the road and praised him as the one coming in the name of the Lord.

Why it matters

The donkey symbolized peace and humility, not military power. Palm Sunday also marks the beginning of the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, leading to the cross and Easter.

Gospel details

  • Matthew highlights the prophecy fulfillment and the city asking, “Who is this?”
  • Mark and Luke describe the entry and the crowd’s praise; Luke also says Jesus wept over Jerusalem.
  • John also includes the triumphal entry with the crowd greeting Jesus.

In one sentence

Palm Sunday is the Bible’s account of Jesus’ triumphant, humble entry into Jerusalem, celebrated by the crowd but also pointing toward his suffering and resurrection.