Palm Sunday — Hosanna! Blessed Is He Who Comes
The day of paradox — triumph and tragedy, celebration and foreshadowing — and how to lead your church into Holy Week.
The Sunday before Easter (March or April)
Overview
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when crowds spread palm branches and cloaks on the road before Him, shouting 'Hosanna!' (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19). It is the gateway to Holy Week and carries a profound dramatic irony: the same crowds who cheered Jesus as king on Sunday would call for His crucifixion by Friday.
The observance of Palm Sunday dates to at least the fourth century. The pilgrim Egeria described a grand procession from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem on this day, with the faithful carrying palm and olive branches while singing psalms. This processional element has remained central to Palm Sunday worship across nearly every Christian tradition.
Palm Sunday also goes by the name 'Passion Sunday' in many traditions, because the complete Passion narrative (the account of Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion) is read during the service. This dual focus — palms and Passion — creates the day's unique liturgical character. The service begins with jubilation and ends with the shadow of the cross. This is deliberate: for many congregants who won't attend a Maundy Thursday or Good Friday service, Palm Sunday may be their only encounter with the full Passion story before Easter.
Denomination Perspectives
How different traditions observe Palm Sunday
Catholic
The Catholic Palm Sunday liturgy begins with a blessing of palms and a procession, ideally starting outside the church building. The full Passion narrative (read from Matthew, Mark, or Luke on a rotating cycle) is proclaimed by multiple readers, with the congregation speaking the words of the crowd. This reading can take 20-30 minutes and is a highlight of the liturgical year. Parishioners take their blessed palms home, often weaving them into crosses to display in their homes.
Protestant
Most Protestant churches distribute palm branches (or palm crosses) and include some form of processional on Palm Sunday. The level of liturgical formality varies widely. Some churches read the full Passion narrative; others focus only on the triumphal entry and reserve the Passion story for Good Friday. Children's processionals with palm branches are particularly popular. Many churches save their palms to burn for the following year's Ash Wednesday ashes.
Orthodox
In the Orthodox Church, Palm Sunday is one of the Twelve Great Feasts. The faithful carry pussy willows, olive branches, or palms (depending on region) and process around the church. The service emphasizes Jesus' victory over death — foreshadowed in the raising of Lazarus, which is celebrated the day before (Lazarus Saturday). The Orthodox liturgy uniquely connects the triumphal entry to the upcoming resurrection, framing Palm Sunday as an anticipation of Pascha (Easter).
Worship Ideas
Creative ways to lead your congregation through Palm Sunday
Organize a palm processional from the parking lot or outdoor gathering area into the sanctuary, with the congregation singing 'All Glory, Laud, and Honor' as they walk.
Involve children prominently — have them lead the processional waving palm branches, or present a brief dramatic reading of the triumphal entry before the adult service begins.
Read the Passion narrative using multiple voices: narrator, Jesus, Peter, Pilate, and the crowd (congregation). Provide scripts so the congregation can participate in the crowd's lines.
Shift the worship tone midway through the service — begin with celebratory songs ('Hosanna' and 'Ride On, King Jesus') and transition to reflective music as the Passion narrative begins.
Distribute take-home palm crosses and include a printed guide for families to use them as conversation starters about Holy Week.
Sermon Topics
Preaching themes and key passages for Palm Sunday
The Crowd's Short Memory
Matthew 21:1-11; Matthew 27:15-23
How did 'Hosanna!' become 'Crucify Him!' in five days? Explore the fickleness of popularity-based faith and what it means to follow Jesus when the crowd turns.
The King on a Donkey
Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-5
Jesus deliberately chose a donkey over a war horse, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy of a humble king. What does His choice of mount reveal about the nature of His kingdom?
Jesus Wept Over the City
Luke 19:41-44
Luke alone records that Jesus wept as He approached Jerusalem. In the middle of the celebration, He grieved. Explore the depth of divine compassion for a city that would reject its Messiah.
Church Admin Tips
Practical operations checklist for Palm Sunday
Order palm branches at least three weeks in advance — your local florist or a church supply company can provide them. Plan for one per attendee plus extras for children and visitors.
Save used palm branches after the service, dry them thoroughly, and store them for burning on next year's Ash Wednesday. This creates a beautiful liturgical connection between the two days.
If reading the full Passion narrative, recruit and rehearse readers at least two weeks in advance. Provide clear scripts with marked parts and stage directions.
Coordinate with your children's ministry for the processional — rehearse with kids during the prior week's Sunday school so they know what to do and feel confident.
Related Seasons
Holy Week
The week before Easter Sunday (March or April)
Maundy Thursday
Thursday before Easter (March or April)
Good Friday
Friday before Easter Sunday (March or April)
Easter Sunday
First Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox (March 22 - April 25)
Lent
Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday (46 days; 40 excluding Sundays)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Palm Sunday
Palm branches were symbols of victory and triumph in the ancient Near East. When the crowds spread palms before Jesus (John 12:13), they were greeting Him as a conquering king. Churches use palms today to recreate that moment and enter into the story of Jesus' final week.