The Path of the King: From Hosanna to Golgotha – Palm Sunday

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38, NKJV)

In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God. Amen. May the blessing of the Lord who entered Jerusalem for our sake be with us, that we too may enter His Kingdom with repentance and praise. Amen.

A Royal Entry—A Divine Mission

Today’s blessed readings proclaim a profound truth: the Son of God enters Jerusalem as King and Savior, not upon a chariot of war, but in humility—riding a colt, surrounded by cries of “Hosanna!” The people cry, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord, blessed is the kingdom of our father David!” (Luke 19:38), for they awaited a kingdom—but God revealed something far greater.

This kingdom of peace and righteousness was not to be established by force or political might, but through the Cross and the Resurrection. Christ’s true kingship is unveiled not in a palace, but on Golgotha. Not with swords, but with the nails that bound Him for our salvation.

The Lamb Enters with the Lambs

Palm Sunday is deeply connected to Great Friday, for the events of this day are not merely the joyful cries of a crowd—they are also the beginning of the Holy Passion. Today, the Lord enters Jerusalem at the same time as the Passover lambs, which were being brought in to be offered as sacrifices for the feast. He, the true Lamb of God, enters with them, and remains in Jerusalem until Friday—when He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the world (John 1:29).

According to Jewish custom, the Passover lamb was selected on the tenth day of Nisan and slaughtered on the fourteenth. Thus, our Church places this Gospel reading with great purpose and precision, to reveal Christ as the fulfillment of the Pascha: the Lamb chosen before the foundation of the world.

The Kingdom of the Cross

On this day, the Church speaks richly about the salvation of Christ, the power of the Cross, and the inauguration of the New Covenant. The Kingdom we receive is not of this world, but of Heaven—a kingdom of peace, righteousness, and eternal life.

It is no coincidence that today’s liturgy presents the story of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem from all four Gospels—a distinction shared only with the readings of Great Friday, when we journey hour by hour with the Lord through His trial, crucifixion, and burial. This liturgical design proclaims with clarity: Palm Sunday and Good Friday are deeply united in theme and purpose.

  • On Sunday, Christ enters with the lambs of the Passover.
  • On Friday, He becomes the Lamb, sacrificed for all humanity.

Hosanna and the Hidden Answer

On Sunday, the people cry: “Hosanna”—“Save us!”

And on Friday, though unknowingly, their plea is fulfilled. The Cross becomes Heaven’s answer—not to their political desires, but to the deepest cry of the soul.

  • On Sunday, He cleansed the temple of corruption.
  • On Friday, He cleansed our nature from the corruption of sin.
  • On Sunday, the heavenly hosts appeared with joy (Luke 19:37).
  • On Friday, the tombs opened, and the bodies of many saints arose (Matthew 27:52–53).
  • On Sunday, the people proclaim Him Son of David, desiring an earthly kingdom.
  • On Friday, He tells Pilate, “My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), and chooses to reign from the wood of the Cross, fulfilling the psalm:

“The Lord reigns from the tree.” (Psalm 96:10, LXX & Coptic)

Let Us Walk the Way of the King

Beloved, this Holy Week begins with triumph, but leads us through suffering to glory. May we walk with Christ—not only as those who wave palm branches, but as those who follow Him to the Cross and beyond.

  • Let us enter the temple of our hearts and cleanse it.
  • Let us offer our own lives as living sacrifices.
  • Let us accept the King—not only in joy, but also in surrender.

Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

To Him be glory, now and forever. Amen.

May the Lord bless us, transform our hearts and minds, that our homes may stand on the Rock, our hands serve in the harvest,and our hearts long for Heaven. Amen.