Palm Sunday was a fulfillment of the biblical prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9, written nearly 550 years earlier.
The donkey was significant as it was customary for a victorious king to enter a city on horseback. In times of peace, the leader would ride a donkey.
Also, palms were a symbol of triumph in Greco-Roman culture, while the laying of the cloaks was performed for many kings, including David.
Jesus being heralded as a king was an insult to the Jews, who hated that He was being called the Messiah. Also, it was offensive to the Romans who had Caesar as their king.
As a result, the attention of the local leaders and the praise of the people proved to be a dangerous combination.
Ultimately, many of the people who were cheering “Hosanna” would be yelling “Crucify Him!” just days later. Jesus Himself cried out to God while being nailed to the cross saying, “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” By God’s amazing grace and the efforts of the early church, the world would hear the GOOD NEWS of the Gospels!