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Palm Sunday
Luke 19:28–40 and “The Palms,” by French Composer Gabriel Fauré
by Marie Severing
Psalm 118:1–2; 19–29
Luke 19:28–40
Now as he was approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying
–—Luke 19:37–38
“Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!”
Luke 19:28–40 is the account of the exultant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, a moment filled with mighty symbolism and deep meaning. As Jesus approaches the city riding upon a donkey colt, the crowd of followers praise God exceedingly, spreading their garments on the road, conveying a sign of reverence and submissiveness to a king. Shouts of, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” are heard. The scene reflects the humility and peace of Jesus’ kingship, in contrast with the earthly image of power, and fulfills the prophecy in Zechariah 9:
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you;
triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
This passage bids contemplation on themes of humility, worship, and the recognition of Jesus as the true King. The Pharisees’ attempt to silence the crowd and Jesus’ response, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40, NIV), evokes in us the unstoppable nature of God’s truth and glory. It’s a call to examine whether we truly recognize and honor Jesus Christ in our lives or whether we, like the Pharisees, resist Jesus’ message.
Gabriel Fauré’s “The Palms (Les Rameaux )” beautifully enhances this theme. The choral work captures the joy and reverence of Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem. Frequently performed during Palm Sunday celebrations, its triumphant yet reverent tone mirrors the intense emotional scene in Luke 19, inspiring Christians to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ journey to the cross. Fauré’s lyrical composition invites the listener to partake in the celebration, much like the disciples in the crowd.
Listen to a choral recording of The Palms by Gabriel Fauré:
Together, Luke 19:28–40 and “The Palms” offer a moment for deep spiritual reflection—a reminder of Christ’s humility and the call to joyful, unwavering worship. How do you feel these themes resonate with your own journey?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you for the selfless act of sacrificing your life to save all of humanity. As Holy Week approaches, may we find time to reflect, pray, and renew our focus on your Passion, Jesus, preparing our hearts, minds, and souls for Easter. Amen.
Marie Severing is a music ministry director at Cargill UMC, Janesville, Wisconsin, a lay leader to the Wisconsin Annual Conference, and a deaconess in The United Methodist Church. She has been actively involved in the Missional Church Consultation Initiative and serves on the Growing Generous Givers Prescription team. In 2025, Severing will complete an executive certification in religious philanthropy at the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy. She was consecrated on April 29, 2024, at the General Conference of The United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and commissioned at the Wisconsin United Methodist Annual Conference on June 8, 2024.
