The Triumphal Entry: Welcoming the King

Today, we gather to reflect upon a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus Christ - the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, as recounted in Matthew 21:1-11. This event marks the beginning of the Passion Week, leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord. As we delve into this passage, let us explore its significance and how it resonates with us today.

Matthew 21:1–11 NKJV

Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!” And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

I. The Fulfillment of Prophecy (Matthew 21:4-5)

A. Cross Reference: Zechariah 9:9

Zechariah 9:9 NKJV

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.

B. Just as prophesied, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, symbolizing peace and humility.

C. This fulfillment reinforces Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah, bringing hope and fulfillment to the hearts of those who recognized Him. Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey holds great significance, fulfilling prophecy and conveying important messages about His character and mission:

Let us just for a moment consider the significance of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey.

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy:

The use of a donkey in the Triumphal Entry fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which says, "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This demonstrates Jesus' role as the promised Messiah.

2. Symbol of Peace and Humility:

In contrast to a horse, which was often used in war, a donkey was a symbol of peace and humility. By choosing to ride a donkey, Jesus was displaying His peaceful intentions and humble nature.

3. Messiah-King:

The image of Jesus riding a donkey echoes the entry of kings and rulers in ancient times. However, Jesus' choice of a donkey over a horse emphasized His role as a different kind of king—one who came to serve and save rather than to conquer through military might.

4. Accessible to All:

A donkey was an animal accessible to all people, including the poor and marginalized. By riding a donkey, Jesus was demonstrating His accessibility and His desire to reach out to all people, regardless of their social status.

5. Foreshadowing His Sacrifice:

The choice of a humble donkey also foreshadowed Jesus' ultimate act of humility and sacrifice—His crucifixion. Just as He entered Jerusalem humbly on a donkey, He would soon lay down His life for the salvation of all humanity.

II. The Response of the Crowd (Matthew 21:8-9)

The crowd cried out “Hosanna”

The significance of the people crying out "Hosanna" during Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem lies in their words' deeper meanings and their expectations of Jesus, whether they realized it or not they where fulfilling prophecy from Ps. 118:25-26:

Psalm 118:25–26 NKJV

Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.

1. Meaning of "Hosanna":

The word "Hosanna" originates from Hebrew and is an expression of praise and adoration, meaning "Save us now" or "Save, we pray." It was a cry for deliverance and salvation, often used in worship.

2. Recognition of Jesus as Messiah:

By shouting "Hosanna," the people were acknowledging Jesus as the promised Messiah, the one they hoped would bring deliverance and salvation to Israel. They recognized His authority and power to save them from their oppressors and fulfill God's promises.

3. Expectation of Political Deliverance:

However, the crowd's understanding of salvation was likely primarily political. They anticipated Jesus to be a conquering king who would overthrow Roman rule and establish a new earthly kingdom for Israel. Their cries of "Hosanna" reflected their desire for immediate liberation from oppression.

4. Misunderstanding of Jesus' Mission:

Despite their genuine praise and excitement, the people's understanding of Jesus' mission was limited. They expected a temporal, earthly kingdom, overlooking the spiritual nature of His kingdom and His ultimate purpose—to bring salvation to all humanity through His death and resurrection.

5. Foreshadowing of Jesus' Sacrifice:

Ironically, the same crowd that cried out "Hosanna" as Jesus entered Jerusalem would later cry out for His crucifixion. Their expectations of Jesus as a political savior would soon be shattered as Jesus willingly went to the cross to fulfill His true mission—to provide salvation from sin and death for all who believe in Him.

III. The Symbolism of the Palms (Matthew 21:8)

The significance of the palm branches in the context of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem is rich with symbolism and historical significance:

1. Symbol of Victory:

Palm branches have been used throughout history as symbols of victory and triumph. In the ancient world, they were often associated with military triumphs and athletic competitions. By waving palm branches as Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people were symbolically acknowledging Him as a victorious leader.

2. Symbol of Joy and Celebration:

In addition to representing victory, palm branches were also symbols of joy and celebration. Their use during festivals and ceremonies signified happiness and exultation. As the crowd waved palm branches before Jesus, they were expressing their joy and excitement at His arrival in Jerusalem.

3. Cultural and Religious Tradition:

The use of palm branches during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) held cultural and religious significance for the Jewish people. During this festival, palm branches were used in rituals and processions, including the waving of the "lulav" (a bundle of branches) as a symbol of thanksgiving and praise.

4. Fulfillment of Prophecy:

The waving of palm branches during Jesus' Triumphal Entry fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, specifically Psalm 118:25-26, which says, "Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord." This passage was associated with the Feast of Tabernacles and was traditionally recited during joyful processions, making it particularly relevant to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

5. Symbol of Kingship:

The use of palm branches in conjunction with the cries of "Hosanna" ("Save us now!") emphasized Jesus' kingship and messianic identity. In ancient Near Eastern culture, palm branches were often associated with royalty and were used to honor kings and conquerors. By laying palm branches before Jesus and shouting "Hosanna," the people were acknowledging Him as their long-awaited King and Savior.

IV. The Call to Surrender (Matthew 21:9)

A. Cross Reference: Romans 10:9

Romans 10:9 NKJV

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

B. Just as the crowd cried out to Jesus, "Hosanna," we are called to acknowledge Him as our Savior and Lord.

C. True salvation comes through surrendering our lives to Christ, inviting Him to reign over every area of our hearts.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on the significance of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and the profound symbolism of palm branches, let us now transition our hearts and minds towards a sacred time of remembrance and communion. Just as the crowd welcomed Jesus with shouts of "Hosanna" and waved palm branches before Him, we too come before our Savior with hearts filled with reverence and gratitude.

In a few moments, we will partake in the Lord's Supper, a solemn and holy act of remembrance instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. As we gather around the communion table, let us remember His sacrificial love, His broken body, and His shed blood, which bring us forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. May this time of communion deepen our connection with Christ and with one another as members of His body, the Church.

Let us prepare our hearts now for this sacred moment of communion, as we draw near to the table of our Lord with humility, gratitude, and reverence. Amen.

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