The Donkey and the Hosannas

Last Sunday, we were in awe watching The Chosen — Season 5’s first episode. As “Jesus,” portrayed so powerfully by Jonathan Roumie, rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds erupted in expectation.

“Hosanna!” they shouted, waving palm branches with a fevered hope that He had come to fix it all. Our hearts swelled too, just like theirs. Roumie has a way of reflecting not only the humility and gentleness of our Savior but also His strength and purpose.

Through his eyes, expressions, and tone, many of us are reminded — that’s what Jesus must’ve been like.

Palm Sunday is the gateway to Holy Week. It’s not just about a parade of praise — it’s about the pathway to pain. That donkey was not a royal steed. It was a symbol of humility, of peace. The palm branches? Ancient signs of victory. And the hosannas? Cries of “Save us now!” — not from sin, but from Rome.

They wanted a political king. He came as a suffering servant.

And just like that, the same mouths that shouted “Hosanna” would later scream “Crucify Him.”

Yet, for those of us who believe, Palm Sunday reminds us: Jesus knew exactly what He was riding into. Chaos, betrayal, brutality. He didn’t come to win over governments — He came to win over hearts. He came to change everything.

In a world still full of chaos, corruption, and deep division, we look back — not with despair, but with gratitude. The cross wasn’t the end. The tomb didn’t hold Him. And today, we don’t just wave palm branches — we lift our hands in praise to the risen Christ.

To the skeptic, the rebel, the mocker: He is more than just a man. He is love incarnate. He rode in low so He could lift us high. He entered the brokenness so we could enter into grace.

So this week, let’s remember what Palm Sunday really meant. Not just a celebration — but a commitment. A King who chose thorns over applause. A Savior who saw you and me, and said, “You’re worth it.”