The Triumphal Entry

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

A Palm Sunday Message

Rev. John W. Gerald

I. THE PROCESSION BEGINS AT THE MOUNT OF OLIVES

Luke. 19: 29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

The Mount of Olives, situated East of Jerusalem, is about a mile long, and 2600 feet above sea level. It is 250 feet above the Temple mount, and it is the most prominent rise near Jerusalem.

This mount figures very prominently in the life and ministry of Jesus. He passed over this major access to Jerusalem frequently. He viewed Jerusalem from one of its four peaks as he made the dire pronouncements about its fate later in this message. He went there for the heart rending prayers of the night of His trial. He will descend upon this mount when He returns to take up his kingdom.

II. THE UNBROKEN COLT

Lu 19:30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against [you]; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring [him hither].

The village could have been Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. It was located on the south east of Jerusalem. Jesus’ ascension was probably near Bethany. It is sure that most of the people of this little city knew Jesus by reputation, at least. His procession of triumph appropriately started

here!

III. INSTRUCTIONS TO OBTAIN THE COLT

Lu 19:31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose [him]? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

The owners would certainly protest unless there were some explanation! Jesus knew that this explanation would suffice.

Lu 19:32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

This is another proof that Jesus was divine, and knew all things.

Lu 19:33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owner thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

The objection arose, as was expected, but Jesus had prepared his disciples with the right response. Would we give Jesus carte blanche control over all that we possess?

Lu 19:34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

Did the owners know who the "Lord" was? I believe that they certainly did. They did not protest the taking of the donkey. They seemed to understand.

IV. ONE CAN ONLY SERVE WHEN HE IS FREED

Lu 19:35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

Jesus was given access to the services of the donkey, once he was freed from his hitching-post. We must be freed from the hitching-post of Satan if we would serve Jesus.

V. THE HONOR OF A KING

Lu 19:36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

The disciples first put their garments upon the colt for Jesus to sit upon. Then the crowd placed their garments in the path for the colt to walk upon. This was an act of respect, or honor, given to a conquering hero, or a king.

Joh 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Jesus was here publicly declared a king, both by the acts and shouts of the multitude. This proclamation was fitting only for the Messiah, the King of Israel. It was not for a civil ruler, but for the hope of Israel, the LORD and Messiah.

VI. SPONTANEOUS PRAISE

Lu 19:37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

There was a great valley between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. The procession went through this valley, and ascended the hill upon which the temple sat, but the shouts of praise, giving honor to Christ as the divine king, greatly offended the Jewish

leaders.

VII. PRAISES DUE ONLY TO THE MESSIAH

Lu 19:38 Saying, Blessed [be] the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

The "King that cometh in the name of the Lord" could only be the Messiah. The multitude praised Jesus as Messiah.

VIII. OPPOSITION FROM THE WORLDLY MINDED

Lu 19:39 And some of the

Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, lawyers and elders were often in the crowds accompanying Jesus. They were there to find some objection to his teachings and ministry. They witnessed his miracles, nevertheless. Master means teacher. They accepted the fact that he was a teacher, but they would not accept him as the Messiah!