Palm Sunday: The King Who Came to Fulfill the Promises to Israel

“Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers.”
—Romans 15:8

Palm Sunday is a powerful moment in Scripture—a day that marks our Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem and the unfolding of events leading to the cross. But to truly understand the significance of Palm Sunday, we must first understand what it meant for Israel.

Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry was not a generic display of humility—it was the arrival of Israel’s promised King, fulfilling the very covenants He Himself made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. As Paul writes in Romans 15:8, Christ came “as a servant to the circumcision,” to confirm the promises made to the fathers.

A King Long Awaited

The angel Gabriel announced this truth clearly to Mary:

“The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.” (Luke 1:32–33)

Zacharias, John the Baptist’s father, echoed the same hope when he prophesied:

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people…to remember His holy covenant, the oath which He swore to our father Abraham.” (Luke 1:68–73)

For 1,500 years, Israel waited for this King. Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey wasn’t a spontaneous act—it was a fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9. The people cried out, “Hosanna!” because they saw Him as the One who would restore the kingdom to Israel. And indeed, that kingdom will be restored—but not until His second coming.

Rightly Dividing God’s Word

It’s essential to understand that Scripture is a progressive revelation. God didn’t reveal everything at once—He unveiled His plans step by step, in perfect timing.

Palm Sunday took place in 29 AD, and at that point, the gospel of the grace of God was still hidden. The Church—the Body of Christ—had not yet begun. It wasn’t until over a decade later, around 40 AD, that the glorified Christ revealed this new and previously hidden message to the Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:11–12; Ephesians 3:1–9).

One of the great errors today is lumping everything together—reading Paul’s epistles into the four Gospels, or assuming Jesus’ earthly ministry was to the Body of Christ. But that’s not rightly dividing the Word of truth.

Jesus’ earthly ministry was to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5–6; 15:24). He came to confirm the covenants and promises made to their fathers—not to begin the Church, which was still a mystery hidden in God.

We must read Scripture in time—understanding where we are in the unfolding of God’s plan.

As Paul says:

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
—Romans 15:4

The Old Testament and the four Gospels were written for our learning—they are the foundational building blocks of all God has revealed. We absolutely must study them. They show us God’s faithfulness, character, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. And through them, we gain comfort and hope.

But if we read the Gospels as though they were written to us, or if we mix Israel’s earthly kingdom promises with the Church’s heavenly calling, we end up in confusion and error. We rob both programs of their distinct glory and purpose.

What About the Church?

So where do we stand today?

Christ is not reigning as King over the Church. He is our risen Lord and Savior the Head of Body, the body of Christ which is His Church. Saved by grace through faith alone in His finished work. Our relationship with Him is heavenly and spiritual—distinct from Israel’s earthly kingdom hope.

Yet Palm Sunday still speaks to us—because it reveals the faithfulness of our God. Everything He promised, He will fulfill. Just as He came the first time in humility, He will come again in glory—not on a donkey, but on a white horse (Revelation 19). And when He does, He will establish His kingdom and reign as Israel’s Messiah and the world’s righteous King.

Be Encouraged Today

Palm Sunday is a beautiful reminder that God keeps His promises—every single one. He was faithful to Israel, and He is faithful to us. As members of the Body of Christ, we rejoice in His grace, knowing that the same Jesus who entered Jerusalem as King will one day return as Judge and Deliverer.

Until then, we rest in the peace He gives, we live in the hope of His coming, and we praise Him—not just with palms, but with hearts full of gratitude.

Blessed is He who came for Israel and was later revealed as the Savior of the world—our risen Head, Jesus Christ!