Holy Week · Palm Sunday (Sunday of the Passion) · Year B
John 12:12-19
The Triumphal Entry
March 21, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!” (John 12:15)
The next day the scene changes. The narrator picks up the story from the point of view of the growing Passover crowds in Jerusalem. The crowd received news that Jesus was on his way into the city (v. 12). How this news reached them the text does not say—until later (vv. 17–18). Not even the reader has been told in so many words that Jerusalem was Jesus’ destination—though an attentive reader would have guessed. Before analyzing the reasons for the crowd’s action or attempting to link the scene with the preceding one, the narrator simply describes, as briefly as possible, what the crowd did and what Jesus did. As they came out to meet him with palm branches, shouting praises to God and blessings on their coming king, Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it (vv. 13–14a). That is all there is to the account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The rest (vv. 14b–19) is commentary.
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Commentary
Gospel: John 12:12-19 (Palm Sunday: Series A) 1517.org
A 1517 preaching article walking through John's account of the triumphal entry for Series A.
Gospel: John 12:12-19 (Palm Sunday: Series B) 1517.org
A second 1517 article on the same text, with fresh preaching angles for Series B.
Palm Sunday, John 12:12-19, April 17, 2011 Concordia Theology
Concordia Seminary preaching helps on the palm procession Gospel, including the donkey's meaning.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
Behold, Your King Will Come to You: A Palm Sunday Devotion The Lutheran Witness (LCMS)
An LCMS devotional reflection tying John's entry account to the Zechariah prophecy it fulfills.
Palm Sunday Reconsidered The Lutheran Witness (LCMS)
A second Lutheran Witness reflection weighing how Lutherans should observe Palm Sunday itself.
Art & Music
Questions preachers ask
How does John tell the Triumphal Entry?
The crowds meet Jesus with palms crying Hosanna, and John sees Zechariah's humble king entering his city toward the hour of his glory.
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