In the early 1800's, Henry Milman wrote a Palm Sunday hymn containing some lyrics that go like this:

Ride on, ride on in majesty,
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
Bow thy meek head to mortal pain,
Then take, O God, thy power and reign.

Palm Sunday is a paradox. This opening event of Holy Week is bittersweet. We break the gloom of Lent with loud hosannas only to see a cross rising on the horizon. On the one hand, Jesus prepares for it. On the other hand, He weeps over it. Palm Sunday is a day for both cheers and tears.

I. PALM SUNDAY IS A DAY FOR CHEERS

When Jesus came near the place where the road goes down to the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen (Luke 19:37).

A. Palm Sunday is a Celebration of Gr…