Jesus' Triumphant Entry
Matthew 21:1-11 (NLT)
1 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” 4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’” 6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. 8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” 10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
About 500 years before Jesus ever arrived on the scene in Jerusalem, the prophet Zechariah had prophesied about the event we now call Palm Sunday. This day marks the start of what is often referred to as “Passion Week” – the final seven days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The Gospels paint a picture of what that day looked like.
As I read, in my mind’s eye, I envision thousands of bodies standing shoulder to shoulder waiting to get a glimpse of the Messiah. A gathering of people, much like we might see during the annual Macy’s Day parade or the swearing in of the President of the United States of America. A sea of people in the streets, each perhaps forgoing a home cooked meal, skipping a bit of sleep, sharing what little snacks they brought. Hoisting small children up on their daddy's shoulders; all to secure that prime vantage point of watching Jesus of Nazareth, The Messiah, pass by in the streets.
On that first Palm Sunday, many in the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others placed palm branches in the streets having just cut them down from the trees Matthew 21:8
In doing this, the people were giving Jesus the royal treatment. They welcomed Him out of their desire to have someone who would lead them in a revolt against Rome. However, when Jesus failed to meet their expectations—when He refused to guide them in a massive uprising against the Roman government—the crowds quickly turned on Him. Those who hailed Him as a hero would soon reject and abandon Him (Luke 23:20-21).
The story of Jesus’ triumphant, yet humble, entry is a revealing glimpse into the hearts and minds of those who followed Jesus then and a great life lesson for those of us who follow Jesus now. As He rode in on a lowly donkey instead of a chariot, the King of Kings proved He didn’t come to earth to conquer earthly kings. Instead, He came to earth to serve as a sacrifice for all mankind.
It’s important to recognize that even when Jesus fails to meet our expectations, He has a bigger purpose. We can rest in the truth that God is always good, but His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Even if you have expectations in your life that feel unmet, allow Jesus to make a triumphal entry into every area of your heart today. Let Him reign there in peace and love.
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
- Have you ever misunderstood Jesus’ purposes for your life, praising Him one day and despairing the next?
- What area of your heart are you keeping from God? Surrender that area to Jesus in prayer.
