Jesus Trial, Crucifixion, and Death

Palm Sunday, or Sunday of the Passon, opens by inviting us into the shoes of the crowd that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem at the beginning of his passion week. Jesus' manner of entering Jerusalem fulfills Scripture (Zechariah 9:9, 1 Kings 1:37), demonstrating that he is King and Messiah, who has come to save his people. Later in the week the people of Jerusalem will not be shouting, "Hosanna," but "Crucify him." So also on this holy Sunday we turn to the passion, and hear from the Gospel of Matthew the trial, crucifixion, and burial of our Lord and Savior.