We wave palms on Palm Sunday as the people in Jerusalem did 2000 years ago to welcome Jesus into town for what would turn out to be his last week before his death. The waving of palm branches was traditionally associated with the arrival of a king. People then and now declare Jesus a king on this day.
But Christ’s kingship is far from regal. It is real and earthy and marked soon with a crown of thorns instead of a golden one. Jesus walked among the people instead of hidden away in a stone castle. His path was not lined with a red carpet, but a scattering of well-worn cloaks and coats. His ride was a donkey, not a chariot or horse.
Jesus makes sure that we know that he is not like other kings who are distant and haughty. He is with us and he is humble. He is not afraid to be looked upon as lowly. So much so that he would go to the cross instead of a throne. He would rather die than let us suffer forever in sin.
Our palm waving on this day will lead to fist waving at the Pavement of Pontius Pilate. Our hosannas will turn into shouts of “Crucify him!” But just as we look ahead to the hard days of Holy Week, we see on the horizon a new day on Easter, when our King will rise and all the saints in heaven will gather round his throne, waving palm branches once again, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:10).
