THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

The week leading up to Christ’s crucifixion is referred to as Holy Week. As we approach the annual celebration of Easter, let’s consider twelve significant events, each well-documented in the Scriptures. Let’s start with the Triumphal Entry.

In a scene reminiscent of the emperor’s victorious return to Rome, Jesus commandeered a young donkey and rode into Jerusalem to the cheers of masses of Passover pilgrims, thus fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy. “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; he is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9).

The crowds knew the prophecy … and they knew Jesus. He’d fed five thousand, defeated the demons, stilled the storm, and healed the leper, the blind, and the paralytic. So, as the long-awaited Messiah rode into Jerusalem, “the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen” (Luke 19:37).

“Many people spread their clothes on the road, and others spread leafy branches cut from the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 11:8–10). “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9).

The multitudes knew what the religious establishment refused to acknowledge… that Jesus, the direct descendant of David and rightful heir to the throne, had come to save. “Hosanna!” … “Save us now!”

He came, not proudly like a victorious warrior riding a great steed, but humbly, riding on a lowly donkey. He came, not to overthrow Rome’s rule, but to wear a crown of thorns and to be crucified as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

When He comes again, the King will be wearing His royal crown, He’ll be riding a great white horse, and the armies of Heaven will follow (Revelation 19:11-14). Yes, “the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God!” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

“Hosanna!” … “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).