The Triumphant Entry

 Sunday

The Triumphant Entry

“Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey’s colt.’” 

Matthew 21:5

It was His final week on earth. The purpose for which He had come was at hand. He and His disciples neared Jerusalem. Today, He would be hailed as a King and by week’s end He would die as a criminal, ridiculed and rejected. He breathed deep allowing Himself to be present to this moment. He knew what awaited Him. He would fully experience the agony of death. He would feel every moment of the excruciating pain that awaited Him. Yet, this is the very reason for which He had come. 

He and His disciples neared the town of Bethphage. Jesus turned to two of His disciples and said, “Go into the village over there. 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. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them’, and he will immediately let you take them.” (Matthew 21: 2-3, NLT) The disciples went at once to find the donkey. When they returned with it, Jesus took it. He would not enter Jerusalem in a grand fashion, or on a great steed. He would come on a colt. This was an act that fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 which says, “Rejoice, O people of Jerusalem! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey-riding on a donkey’s colt.” This act also symbolized peace. During this period of time, leaders would ride horses when going into war but would ride donkeys in times of peace. He came in humility, and in peace. The same way He had lived His life. 

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, a great crowd gathered. They spread their garments on the road in front of Him. All around Him, people shouted, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9, NLT) A sense of excitement filled the air, and shouts of praise could be heard as they made their way into Jerusalem. Jesus slowly climbed down from His colt at the Temple entrance. He smiled at those standing near. One of the religious leaders approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” (Luke 19:39, NLT). Jesus looked at him with compassion, and replied “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers.” (Luke 19:40, NLT) Jesus gazed at the crowds, then His eyes drifted to the Temple. The time was near. The Messiah had come to rescue His people.

When you read the gospel accounts of Jesus’ entering Jerusalem on a colt, you will notice that these portions of scriptures are titled “Jesus’ Triumphant Entry” or something similar to that. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the battle had already been won. Jesus was already victorious. In five days, it would feel as if it was over. On Friday, it would seem as if evil had won. Jesus would be dead, and buried. But His death wasn’t the end. It was merely the doorway to something greater.  We can look at circumstances or the world around us and live defeated. Some days it feels as if the dark is overtaking the light. But our circumstances, and present troubles aren’t the end of the story. We know how the story ends…the battle has been won and Jesus is triumphant. 

“And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!...It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega-the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely for the springs of the water of life.’ “

 Revelation 21:5-6

Scripture to Read:

Zechariah 9: 9-17, Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11: 1-11, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19