Skip to Content

30 Best Palm Sunday Scriptures to Mark the Start of Holy Week

Read these encouraging verses about faith on April 8.

By Jamie Ballard and Christina Montoya Fiedler
preview for 15 Bible Verses About Peace, Healing and Inspiration

For Christian households around the world, Palm Sunday marks Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed with open arms by his faithful followers, who waved palm fronds upon his arrival. It reminds many to accept Jesus into their hearts and demonstrate willingness to follow Him. It also marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent, which includes Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and finally, Easter Sunday. As part of your observance, you may decide to reflect on some Palm Sunday scripture, like the verses we have compiled below.

During the 40 days of Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday, people often give up things like sweets, coffee, television, and other vices to show reverence during the Easter season. Many Palm Sunday scriptures foreshadow the resurrection of Jesus and remind readers of His sacrifice for the world's salvation. Others commemorate the events of Holy Week, like the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. But the interpretation is always up to the reader.

As the Easter season gets underway, you’ll probably find yourself busy with Easter crafts, planning an Easter dinner menu, tracking the Easter bunny, egg hunts, and more. But it's important to take the time to think about what the season means to you. Being still and present amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life provides moments of reflection for the whole family. Take time to read Palm Sunday scripture together and rejoice in His Good News.

1

Psalm 30:4-5

palm sunday scripture psalm 30 4 5
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"You who are faithful to the Lord, sing praises to him; give thanks to his holy name! His anger lasts for only a second, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay all night, but by morning, joy!"

2

Matthew 1:21

palm sunday scripture matthew 121
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

3

Acts 2:21

palm sunday scripture acts 221
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4

Ephesians 2:8

palm sunday scripture ephesians 2 8
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith. This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you possessed."

RELATED: 25 Bible Verses About Hope in Hard Times

5

1 Timothy 1:15

palm sunday scripture 1 timothy 115
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"This saying is reliable and deserves full acceptance: 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'—and I'm the biggest sinner of all."

6

Philippians 2:8

palm sunday scripture philippians 2 8
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

RELATED: 29 Powerful Christian Quotes to Inspire You

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Matthew 21:10-11

palm sunday scripture matthew 21 10 11
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. 'Who is this?' they asked. The crowds answered, 'It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.'"

8

John 3:16

palm sunday scripture john 3 16
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life."

9

John 14:6

palm sunday scripture john 14 6
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10

John 12:13

palm sunday scripture john 12 13
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"They took palm branches and went out to meet him. They shouted, 'Hosanna! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the king of Israel!'"

11

Luke 19:38

palm sunday scriptures luke 19 38
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

12

John 11:25

palm sunday scriptures john 11 25
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.'"

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Psalm 118:24

palm sunday scriptures psalm 118 24
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

14

Acts 2:38

palm sunday scriptures acts 2 38
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

15

Isaiah 53:12

palm sunday scriptures isaiah 53 12
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"Because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16

Ephesians 6:10

palm sunday scriptures ephesians 6 10
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might."

17

1 John 4:19

palm sunday scriptures 1 john 4 19
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"We love because he first loved us."

RELATED: 50 Beautiful Bible Verses About God's Love and Loving Others

18

Colossians 3:13

palm sunday scriptures colossians 3 13
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Psalm 31:24

palm sunday scriptures psalm 31 24
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!"

20

Mark 10:9

palm sunday scriptures mark 10 9
Woman's Day/Getty Images

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

RELATED: 35 Bible Verses About Trusting God and His Plan

Headshot of Jamie Ballard
Jamie Ballard
Contributing Writer

Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.

Headshot of Christina Montoya Fiedler

Christina Montoya Fiedler is a Los Angeles-based freelancer with over 15 years of experience writing for online publications. Her work can be seen in Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day, where she covers everything from gift guides to personal essays. She holds a B.A. in English from Chapman University and is working toward her Early Childhood Education teaching credentials. 

Faith and Religion

kundalini awakening signs and meanings

What Is a Kundalini Awakening?

nativity sets

42 Best Nativity Sets to Display This Christmas

angel number 1234 meaning

Angel Number 1234 Meaning

full moon rituals woman standing under the big full moon in the blue sky

10 Simple Full Moon Rituals Anyone Can Try

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
twitter icon
youtube icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon
Hearst Lifestyle and Design Group - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map
Cookies Choices