Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry Of Jesus Series

Title: Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry of Jesus Text: Matthew 21:5-11 ““Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Introduction: Palm Sunday commemorates a significant event in Christian tradition—the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This event holds profound symbolism and spiritual significance for believers worldwide.

Corrie ten Boom was once asked if it were difficult for her to remain humble. Her reply was simple. “When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on the back of a donkey, and everyone was waving palm branches and throwing garments onto the road, and singing praises, do you think that for one moment it ever entered the head of that donkey that any of that was for him?” She continued, “If I can be the donkey on which Jesus Christ rides in his glory, I give him all the praise and all the honor.

I. WHAT IS THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY TO JERUSALEM?

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, often referred to as Palm Sunday, marks a pivotal moment in Christian tradition, resonating with profound symbolism that transcends historical events. This episode in the life of Jesus Christ encapsulates layers of meaning, shedding light on the nature of his mission, the character of his kingship, and the expectations of his followers.

Osheta Moore writes about “Two Triumphal Entries”

Palm Sunday is the occasion on the Christian calendar when we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry in Jerusalem. The concept of a triumph requires some explanation, because it’s foreign to modern believers. A triumph was a ceremonial and celebratory procession through the streets of a city. When the Romans wanted to celebrate their latest conquest, they celebrated with a triumph. In fact, in 70 CE the Roman general Titus destroyed the very city into which Jesus entered that first Palm Sunday. Titus’s triumph, with the spoils from the Jerusalem temple, is depicted on a monument that remains in Rome to this day.

That first Palm Sunday, Jesus wasn’t the only person leading a procession into Jerusalem. There was another one coming from the opposite side of the city. Pontius Pilate entered Jerusalem from his home in Caesarea. His procession was in the Roman style—complete with a terrifying display of Rome’s military might. Pilate was perched atop a majestic stallion, and he had all the trappings of Roman wealth and prestige. His procession was a proclamation of his and Rome’s superiority. And it came with an undeniable message directed to the pilgrims who had gathered in the city from near and far for the Passover festivities: “Keep the peace, or we will control you by force!”

1. At its core, the Triumphal Entry represents the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

The Jewish people longed for a messianic deliverer. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, intentionally, it fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy of (Zechariah 9:9) “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Jesus embodied the long-awaited King who would bring salvation and restoration to his people. The use of a donkey, a humble and peaceful animal, contrasts sharply with the imagery of a conquering warrior on horseback, emphasizing Jesus' role as a servant-king and the embodiment of humility and peace.

2. The palm branches strewn before Jesus as he entered the city hold profound symbolic significance. In Jewish tradition, palm branches symbolized victory and triumph, often used in celebrations and ceremonies. By spreading palm branches on his path, the people of Jerusalem were acknowledging Jesus as the victorious Messiah, expressing their hope and adoration for the one who they believed would deliver them from oppression and establish God's kingdom on earth.

3. The symbolism of the Triumphal Entry extends beyond mere political expectations. Jesus' choice to enter Jerusalem in this manner carries a deeper spiritual message about the nature of his kingship and the purpose of his mission. Unlike earthly rulers who seek power and dominion through force and coercion, Jesus inaugurated his kingdom with humility, compassion, and self-sacrificial love. His entry on a donkey signified a reign of peace and reconciliation, in stark contrast to the oppressive regimes of his time.