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.
4. Furthermore, the Triumphal Entry serves as a foreshadowing of the events that would unfold in the following days. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was not the culmination of his mission but rather the beginning of the climax. The same crowd that hailed him as their king on Palm Sunday would soon turn against him, shouting for his crucifixion. In this sense, the Triumphal Entry becomes a reminder of the fickleness of human allegiance and the paradoxical nature of Jesus' kingdom, which stands in sharp contrast to the values of the world.
What Are Jesus Values?
1. Love: Jesus Christ's message is unequivocally centered on love – a love that surpasses human understanding and embraces all of humanity. His commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" encapsulates the essence of his teachings, emphasizing the universal scope of love that transcends barriers of race, religion, and social status. Jesus not only preached love but exemplified it through his actions.
2. Humility: In a world preoccupied with power and prestige, Jesus extolled the virtue of humility as the hallmark of true greatness. Despite being hailed as the Son of God, he humbled himself, taking on the form of a servant and washing the feet of his disciples. Luke 14:11 Jesus said, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
3. Compassion: Throughout his ministry, Jesus displayed boundless compassion towards the suffering and marginalized. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the oppressed, demonstrating a profound empathy that transcended social barriers.
4. Forgiveness: Perhaps one of the most profound teachings of Jesus is the call to forgive – to release oneself from the burden of resentment and embrace reconciliation. He taught that forgiveness is not merely a gesture of magnanimity but a transformative act that liberates both the offender and the offended. Jesus' own example of forgiving those who crucified him exemplifies the radical nature of forgiveness, transcending the boundaries of human justice and vindication
II. WHAT ARE THE LESSONS WE LEARN FROM JESUS’ TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM?
1. Humility and Servanthood: One of the most striking aspects of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is His choice of transportation—a humble donkey. This deliberate act demonstrates the humility of Jesus, who, despite being the Son of God, willingly embraced lowliness and servanthood. In a world obsessed with power and prestige, Jesus' example challenges us to value humility and to serve others with selflessness and compassion.
2. Recognition of Jesus' Kingship: As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds welcomed Him with shouts of "Hosanna," acknowledging Him as their King and Deliverer. However, their perception of kingship was earthly and temporal, expecting Jesus to overthrow Roman oppression and establish an earthly kingdom. Yet, they missed it. (2 Cor.4:3-4) “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Yet, Jesus' kingship transcends worldly power structures. His kingdom is one of righteousness, peace, and salvation. This challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of authority and to recognize Jesus' lordship over every aspect of our lives.
3. The Irony of Palm Sunday: The events of Palm Sunday are marked by irony. Despite the jubilant reception from the crowds, Jesus' journey to Jerusalem would ultimately lead to His crucifixion. The same people who hailed Him as King would soon cry out for His crucifixion. This irony highlights the fickleness of human allegiance and the contrast between worldly expectations and God's divine plan. It teaches us not to place our trust in human leaders or earthly kingdoms but to anchor our faith in the unchanging character of God.
4. The Call to Follow Jesus: Palm Sunday challenges us to examine our response to Jesus' invitation to discipleship. Just as the crowds welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem, we are called to welcome Him into our hearts and lives. Following Jesus involves more than mere lip service or emotional enthusiasm; it requires a commitment to walk in His footsteps, to embrace His teachings, and to live out His love in our daily lives.
Conclusion: Stuart Strachan Jr. writes, “Just about 80 years ago, a crowd gathered on a humid August day to commence what was to be an unparalleled event for its time. Hundreds of thousands of spectators, police officers, and soldiers gathered for an event so spectacular, so colossal, it almost seemed to come out of a fairy tale rather than real life. Some six continents and 49 countries were represented, with most guests, especially the athletes wearing clothing with their own home flag represented, either on their person, or as they waved their flag for the crowd to see.
But the most obvious flag, the most conspicuous flag that day, was by far, the Swastika. It was draped anywhere and everywhere there was room. For this was the 1936 Olympics, hosted in Berlin. And while most of the athletes were present, the main attraction that day was not the athletes who would compete for medals, but the one who would preside over them, Adolf Hitler.
At 3:18 p.m., according to the author Daniel James Brown, “Adolf Hitler left the chancellery in central Berlin, standing upright in his Mercedes limousine, his right arm lifted in the Nazi salute. Tens of thousands of Hitler Youth, storm troopers, and helmeted military guards lined his route from the Brandenburg Gate through the Tiergarten and out to the Reichs sportfeld. Hundreds of thousands of ordinary German citizens had massed along the way, leaning from windows and waving flags or standing twelve or more deep along the street, again using periscopes to get a glimpse of Hitler.
Now, as his limousine passed, they extended their right arms in the Nazi salute, their faces upturned, ecstatic, screaming in pulsing waves as he rode by, “Heil! Heil! Heil!” At the Maifeld, where the U.S. Olympic team members stood, the athletes began to hear the distant sound of crowds cheering, the noise slowly swelling and growing nearer, then loudspeakers blaring, “He is coming! He is coming”. “He is coming! He is Coming!” Chilling words aren’t they?
And I would argue not just because we know what leadership under Hitler would bring to the modern world, but also, the messianic overtones that we hear in the shouts of Hail! And He is coming. I could not help but compare this scene to the day we celebrate as Palm Sunday…the day Jesus entered into the Holy City, not standing on a Mercedes, or even the ancient world’s equivalent, the chariot, but rather he came on a donkey.
The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem offers a wealth of lessons for believers today. It calls us to embody humility and servanthood, to recognize Jesus' kingship, to trust in God's faithfulness, and to respond wholeheartedly to His call to discipleship. As we reflect on Palm Sunday, may we not only celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry but also strive to emulate His example and follow Him faithfully in every aspect of our lives.
Prayer: As we conclude our reflections on this Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the profound significance of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. May the symbolism of this moment penetrate our hearts deeply, stirring within us a renewed understanding of Jesus' kingship, humility, and sacrificial love.
Lord, help us to emulate the humility of Jesus, who entered Jerusalem not as a conquering warrior, but as a servant-king riding on a donkey. Teach us to follow his example of selflessness and compassion in our interactions with others, especially those in need.
As we journey through Holy Week, prepare our hearts to fully comprehend the depth of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and the victory of his resurrection. May the events of Passion Week transform us, renewing our commitment to live as faithful disciples of Christ.
We thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to redeem us and reconcile us to you. May his love and grace continue to guide us each day, as we seek to walk in his footsteps and proclaim the good news of salvation to all.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
