Kingship, peace and sorrow
Christians understand Jesus' entry as a public declaration of his identity as Messiah and King of Israel. Matthew 21:1–11 presents his arrival on a donkey as fulfilling Zechariah 9:9, whose promised king is righteous, gentle and bringing salvation. Palm Sunday begins Passion Week. [1]
One explanation of the donkey emphasizes peaceful kingship: in ancient Middle Eastern custom, leaders rode horses to war and donkeys when coming in peace. Zechariah 9:10 develops that meaning through removed chariots, broken weapons and a king proclaiming peace to the nations. [2]
One explanation is that the welcome expressed both praise and an appeal for help. The crowd waved palm branches and called out Hosanna, meaning a plea to save, alongside a blessing on the one coming in the Lord's name. John 12:12–19 records Passover visitors greeting Jesus as King of Israel; his disciples understood the prophetic significance afterward. [3]
Luke 19:39–40 records that some Pharisees asked Jesus to rebuke his disciples. Jesus answered that if they remained silent, the stones would cry out. He refused their request to silence the acclamation.
Luke 19:41–44 also records Jesus weeping over Jerusalem and speaking of its failure to recognize the way to peace. A Christian interpretation connects his sorrow with Jerusalem's rejection of God's appeals and his approaching crucifixion.
