Palm Sunday in 2026 included a somewhat ironic, if not humorous, contrast. On the day before this celebration in the Christian church calendar year, Americans across the nation gathered in silly frog costumes and childish masks holding signs to celebrate “No Kings Day,” chanting angry slogans about their hatred for President Donald Trump. And the next day, Palm Sunday, Christians around the world gathered in their Sunday best holding Bibles and hymnals to celebrate “King Jesus’ Day!” singing joyful songs of His triumphal entry, and in passionate longing for His return. What a difference!
The world doesn’t want a king, at least not the kind of divine king Jesus claimed to be and continues to prove Himself to be. His entrance into Jerusalem was an unmistakable statement that He came as the promised Messianic King. The Old Testament prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 was explicit and precisely fulfilled in Jesus’ arrival.
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Psalm 24 is regularly a part of Palm Sunday services. We celebrate the coming of the King of Glory, entering the gates of the city of Jerusalem.