Palm Sunday is the day Christians observe Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, setting the stage for Holy Week. This is a time for repentance and renewal for our church.

Crafting a Palm Sunday sermon that captivates hearts and minds requires thoughtful preparation and inspiration. Here are 7 sermon ideas, each accompanied by relevant scripture and an illustration, along with helpful tips to guide you in delivering a powerful message.

The Humble King is Coming

What to cover in this sermon:

• Messiahship: Highlight Jesus as the promised Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such as Zechariah 9:9, which speaks of the Messiah coming humbly on a donkey
• Kingship: Emphasize Jesus' kingship, albeit in a different manner than earthly kings. He is portrayed as a humble and gentle king, contrasting with the typical image of royalty
• Humility: The manner of Jesus' entry underscores his humility, choosing a simple donkey rather than a majestic horse, which was customary for kings and conquerors
• Redemption: Jesus riding into Jerusalem symbolizes his mission of peace, redemption, and salvation for all people, fulfilling God's plan of reconciliation
• Reception of Jesus: Spend time reflecting on how the people responded to Jesus' entry and how that compares to the way they treated Jesus on Good Friday. Challenge members to reflect on how receptive they are to Jesus

Example Illustration:

Jesus rode on a donkey to emphasize His mission to bring peace and salvation to Jerusalem and the whole world. Reflect on the humility of Jesus as he chose to enter Jerusalem not on a majestic steed but on a humble donkey. Illustrate how true greatness often comes from humility and service rather than power and prestige.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

What to cover in this sermon:

• Messiahship: Zechariah 9:9 prophesies the coming of the Messiah, portraying him as a triumphant and righteous king who brings salvation and deliverance
• Kingdom of God: Speaks to the establishment of God's kingdom on earth, with the Messiah coming to rule and reign in righteousness and victory
• Divine Righteousness: Underscore Jesus' righteousness, contrasting with the corrupt and oppressive rulers of the world
• Deliverance: The Messiah's arrival brings deliverance to God's people, freeing them from oppression and bondage
• Joy and Celebration: The verse calls for rejoicing and shouting in anticipation of Jesus' arrival. Use this to lead your members into loud praise and worship

Example Illustration:

Give some time during your sermon to share how God has worked in your life in ways that you didn't expect. Explore how God's promises are fulfilled in unexpected ways, emphasizing the trustworthiness of God's word and the faithfulness of His plan.

The Joyful Crowd

What to cover in this sermon:

• Recognition of Jesus as King: The crowd acknowledges Jesus as a king by spreading their cloaks on the road and shouting praises, recognizing His authority and kingship
• Celebration: The crowd's exuberant celebration of Jesus' arrival indicates the joy and excitement we should feel at Jesus' arrival
• Praise and Worship: The crowd's actions of laying down their cloaks and shouting praises acknowledge Him as deserving of honor and adoration
• Recognition of Jesus' Miracles: The people praised God for the miracles they had seen, indicating that Jesus' miracles had contributed to their belief in Him as the Messiah
• Acknowledgment of God's Work: By praising God for the miracles they had witnessed, the crowd recognizes Jesus as the prophesied Messiah
• Anticipation of Deliverance: The crowd's response to Jesus' entry suggests anticipation of deliverance and salvation, as they view Jesus as the one who will bring about God's kingdom and liberate them from Roman oppression

Example Illustration:

My favorite moment of the day is coming home from work and my kids running to greet me. This is exactly how the people in Jerusalem greeted Jesus and how we should greet Him, too.

Consider the enthusiasm of the crowd welcoming Jesus with shouts of praise and adoration. Highlight the contagious nature of genuine worship and the importance of celebrating Jesus as our King, even in uncertainty and challenges.

The Stones Will Cry Out

What to cover in this sermon:

• Divine Authority: If the people remain silent in their praise, the very stones will cry out, emphasizing Jesus' sovereignty and the inevitability of his glorification
• Recognition of Jesus' Identity: Even if people fail to recognize and acknowledge him, creation itself would testify that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' statement echoes the Old Testament prophecies, such as Habakkuk 2:11, which speaks of creation itself declaring the glory of God, reinforcing the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of Scripture
• Universal Praise: All of creation, not just humanity, is called to recognize and glorify Jesus as Lord
• Uncontainable Worship: Worship and praise for Jesus are inevitable and unstoppable. This reflects the significance of Jesus' ministry and mission
• Divine Purpose: It underscores the idea that everything in creation has a purpose, including praising and glorifying its Creator
• Invitation to Worship: Jesus' words serve as an invitation for all believers to join in worship and praise

Example Illustration:

Jesus' words are still relevant today. Not only does creation shout His name, but hearts of stone are converted to hearts of flesh and praise His name every day.

If humanity fails to recognize and proclaim His glory, creation itself will testify to His greatness. Use this illustration to emphasize the urgency and necessity of proclaiming the gospel message to everyone.

The Tears of the Messiah

What to cover in this sermon:

• Compassion: Jesus is moved to tears as he beholds the city of Jerusalem, despite knowing the suffering and challenges He would face within its walls
• Sorrow: The tears of Jesus signify his sorrow over the spiritual condition of Jerusalem and the impending judgment that would befall the city
• Prophetic Insight: Jesus' tears may also reflect his prophetic understanding of the city's future destruction, which would occur in AD 70, due to its rejection of him and his message
• Divine Grief: The tears of Jesus underscore the consequences of sin and the brokenness of humanity. Despite knowing the ultimate outcome, Jesus still grieves over the lost souls and the city's fate
• Yearning for Repentance: Jesus' tears express his longing for the people of Jerusalem to turn to God in repentance and faith, avoid judgment, and experience God's mercy and salvation

Example Illustration:

We should be as burdened for the lost as Jesus was for those in Jerusalem who would reject Him. Reflect on Jesus' tears over Jerusalem, revealing his compassion and sorrow for her inhabitants. Use this moment to challenge congregants to cultivate a heart of compassion and empathy for those in need, following Jesus' example of love and mercy.

The Cleansing of the Temple

What to cover in this sermon:

• Righteous Indignation: Jesus displays righteous anger at the commercialization and corruption within the temple walls
• Purity of Worship: By driving out the money changers and merchants, he restores the temple to its intended purpose and prevents the moneylenders from taking advantage of the poor
• Divine Authority: Jesus asserts his authority over the religious institutions of his time, challenging their practices and calling for reform
• Prophetic Fulfillment: Jesus' actions fulfill the prophetic words of Isaiah 56:7, which speak of God's house being a house of prayer for all nations
• Rebuke of Hypocrisy: Jesus' words serve as a rebuke to the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and exploitation of worshippers
• Symbolism of Renewal: Jesus reveals the need for spiritual renewal and cleansing. His actions foreshadow the cleansing and purification that he brings through his sacrifice on the cross
• Call to True Worship: Challenge your members to worship God in spirit and truth, rather than engaging in empty rituals or practices

Example Illustration:

Jesus turning over tables and driving out the merchants in the temple is the perfect illustration for what He wants to do in each of our lives. Challenge listeners to examine their own hearts and lives, identifying and removing any obstacles that hinder true worship and devotion to God.

The Cross on the Horizon

What to cover in this sermon:

• Understanding through Revelation: The disciples' understanding of the significance of Jesus' actions and the fulfillment of prophecy comes after his resurrection
• Scriptural Fulfillment: The disciples' realization that what happened to Jesus had been written about Him refers to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah
• Deepening of Faith: The disciples' understanding of Jesus' identity and mission deepens as they reflect on the events surrounding his death and resurrection. It illustrates the ongoing process of spiritual growth
• Connection to the Scriptures: Emphasize the importance of studying and interpreting scripture within the context of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection
• Empowerment for Witness: The disciples' understanding of Jesus' identity and mission equips them to bear witness to him and proclaim the gospel effectively

Example Illustration:

The significance of Palm Sunday is found in the Resurrection. Just like the disciples didn't understand what Jesus was doing until after He rose from the dead, we will not know Him until He has raised us from the dead.

Explore the contrast between Jesus' triumphal entry with the looming shadow of the cross. Invite listeners to embrace the depth of God's love and the power of the cross.

Helpful Tips for Crafting a Moving Palm Sunday Sermon

1. Contextualize Scripture: There are multiple Old Testament prophesies Jesus fulfills on Plam Sunday. Provide historical and cultural context to help congregants understand the significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem
2. Incorporate Visuals: Use visuals such as images, videos, or object lessons to enhance your sermon and engage different learning styles
3. Personalize the Message: Connect the timeless truths of Palm Sunday to contemporary issues and personal experiences, making the message timely for your members
4. Invite Reflection: Offer opportunities for reflection, response, and prayer, allowing congregants to engage with the message on a deeper level

Prepare Your Church with These Palm Sunday Sermons

Though Easter is the most important day of the year, Palm Sunday is the best day to prepare our hearts for the Resurrection. Many people in your church may be hearing the Gospel message for the first time today.

May these ideas, illustrations, and tips help you craft a message that moves your congregation toward repentance and preparation.

Matt Church Engagement