Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is a Christian holiday that falls on the Sunday before Easter Sunday. It marks the beginning of Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, and commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The name "Palm Sunday" comes from the palm branches that the crowds waved as Jesus rode into the city on a donkey.

History and Significance

The significance of Palm Sunday is rooted in the biblical accounts of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, as described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. According to the Gospels, the people of Jerusalem welcomed Jesus by spreading their cloaks and palm branches on the road as he rode into the city, shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" This event is seen as the fulfillment of the prophecy in the Old Testament book of Zechariah.

Observances and Traditions

On Palm Sunday, many Christian churches hold special services that include the blessing of palm branches and a procession to reenact Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. In some traditions, the palm branches are shaped into crosses and kept by the faithful as a reminder of the event. The Gospel readings during the Palm Sunday service typically recount the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

Study Guide

1. What is the significance of Palm Sunday in the Christian calendar?
2. Which biblical accounts describe Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday?
3. How do Christian churches typically observe Palm Sunday?
4. What is the symbolism of the palm branches used on Palm Sunday?

By studying the history and significance of Palm Sunday, students can gain a deeper understanding of the religious observances associated with the holiday and its importance within the Christian faith.