Day 28 - The Triumphant Entry

by David Dale

Mark 11:1-11; Zechariah 9:9

Today when you hear of a triumphant entry you might think of the latest big sporting event you may have attended. We’ve been to Penn State games with a stadium full of 110,000 rabid fans, all on their feet, with smoke, fireworks, and blaring music as the team proudly enters the stadium. It’s an inspiring, exciting moment. I suspect the crowd in Jesus’ day, as he entered Jerusalem, were expecting just that spectacular moment. But what they got was much different. In reality, the most significant triumphal entry in history was over two thousand years ago when Jesus rode a donkey colt into Jerusalem.

The people’s excitement reflected their expectations. They greeted Jesus with palm branches, a symbol of victory and royalty. They cried out, “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’” Their display of worship and adoration reflected their recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, the One who would deliver them from oppression. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt was a direct fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy: “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” (Zechariah 9:9). This prophecy had been known for generations – this must be the Messiah, even though it didn’t look like what they expected. Spreading of garments represented royal homage. It was a sign they were paying tribute – like rolling out the red carpet would be today. By laying down their cloaks, they were giving Jesus a kingly welcome. But the donkey colt showed just the opposite from what they expected. It showed humility and peace. Christ did not want to enter Jerusalem riding a horse, or driving a chariot. He did not wear a crown, or carry a sword as most royals would have done.

This was a much humbler entry, one demonstrating Jesus’ gentle and peaceful nature, contrasting with the expectations of a conquering king. It also revealed his divine wisdom and intentional fulfillment of Scripture.

We know that the people shouting “Hosanna” had false expectations. They expected Jesus to set up an earthly kingdom, with them at the top. But that wasn’t his mission, and things soon went downhill. In fact, just a few days later, they turned ugly. One of the disciples betrayed him; religious leaders called for his execution; soldiers mocked him, flogged him; and the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, had him crucified.

But the added entries in most versions of the Bible still title these verses “The Triumphant Entry.” Why? Because we’ve learned from the previous Scriptures the purpose of Jesus’ suffering and death. Though innocent, he suffered for the guilt of our sins. He was crucified, did not remain dead but arose triumphantly from the grave – and that’s what we celebrate. This entry was a real sign of glory to come. We rejoice in the salvation and joy of the King of kings.

So why does the triumphal entry of Jesus encourage us? Because Jesus chose to transform from the celebrated King to the crucified criminal in less than a week. He heard the crowd shouting “Hosanna!“ and a few days later, “Crucify him.” Jesus knew this was coming – he predicted his death a third time before his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He came to save us all – and did so. This is something to celebrate! Reflect on the triumphal entry in your life and trust him in hard times. Embrace the warmth of his Kingdom and give thanks for his sacrifice for you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we claim the victory of Jesus’ arrival in our lives. Thank you, Jesus! Your triumphal entry, arrest, crucifixion, and burial were not the end. We have the joy of the empty tomb. Jesus is alive! You gave your life for us, for the forgiveness of our sins, to bring us together with God. Thank you for being our comforter, provider, rock and refuge during this storm we are in. When everything else is changing, you stay the same forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.