Hosanna in the Streets: A Palm Sunday Reflection

Palm Sunday is one of those holy days that calls us to attention — not because of its grandeur, but because of its paradox. It's joyful and heavy. Triumphant and tragic. In the United Methodist Church, this Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final steps on the journey to the cross. And it starts with a parade.

Every year, churches across the world—including many UMC congregations—wave palm branches and shout “Hosanna!” echoing the crowd that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. Children often lead the procession in worship, waving palms high as we sing “All Glory, Laud, and Honor.” It’s celebratory. It's full of hope. But it's also the calm before the storm.

The Layers of Palm Sunday

Theologically, Palm Sunday holds deep significance. Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah: “Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9, NRSV). This wasn’t a warhorse; it was a symbol of peace. Jesus wasn't coming to overthrow the empire with force, but to conquer sin through love and sacrifice.

But the people in the crowd had expectations. Political freedom. An earthly king. Immediate change. “Hosanna” means “Save us now!” and they meant it literally. They saw in Jesus a liberator—but they didn’t yet understand the kind of kingdom he was bringing.¹

It’s a tension we still hold today, isn’t it? We want God to fix our situations, to bring justice and healing on our terms. And yet, Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus answers not with a sword, but with a cross.

UMC Practices and Meaning

In the United Methodist tradition, Palm Sunday is often observed as Palm/Passion Sunday, especially when a congregation won’t gather again until Easter. The service might start with palms and singing, then shift mid-sermon or mid-liturgy into the story of Jesus’ suffering and death.² It’s a way of holding the entire story of Holy Week in one space, especially for those who may miss Maundy Thursday or Good Friday services.

Some churches use dramatic readings of the Passion narrative from the Gospel of Mark or Matthew. Others incorporate Holy Communion, drawing the connection between Jesus' entry into the city and the meal he would soon share with his disciples.

United Methodists don’t treat Palm Sunday as mere pageantry. Instead, it’s a call to discipleship—a reminder that following Christ may lead us through celebration and sacrifice.

What We Carry into Holy Week

So, what do we do with this holy paradox? We enter Holy Week mindful of our own expectations. We shout “Hosanna!” with the crowd, but we’re invited to reflect on what we mean by that cry. Do we seek a Savior who meets our demands, or are we ready to follow Jesus—even to the cross?

As you wave your palm branch this year, know that you’re joining a worldwide chorus of believers. But also pause. Reflect. The King is coming—not to take power, but to lay it down. And that changes everything.

Bibliography

1. N. T. Wright, Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters (New York: HarperOne, 2011), 139–141.

2. United Methodist Church, “Palm/Passion Sunday,” The United Methodist Book of Worship (Nashville: United Methodist Publishing House, 1992), 323–328.

3. Taylor Burton-Edwards, “Palm/Passion Sunday Planning Notes,” Discipleship Ministries, The United Methodist Church, accessed April 8, 2025, https://www.umcdiscipleship.org.