Triumph And Humility: Lessons From Palm Sunday Series

Triumph and Humility: Lessons from Palm Sunday

Introduction:

Today, we gather to commemorate Palm Sunday, a significant event in the Christian calendar marking Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It's a day of both celebration and reflection, as we witness the contrast between the adoration of the crowds and the humility of our Saviour. Let us delve into the scriptures to uncover the transformative truths found in this pivotal moment.

Point 1: The Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:28-38)

Luke 19:28-38 (NLT) - Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

In Luke's account of Palm Sunday, we see Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.

Zechariah 9:9 (NLT): "Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt."

In this verse from the Old Testament prophet Zechariah, we witness a prophetic declaration about the coming Messiah. The people of Zion and Jerusalem are called to rejoice and celebrate, for their King is coming to them. Yet, what makes this prophecy remarkable is the portrayal of the Messiah's character. He is described as righteous and victorious, fulfilling the expectations of a powerful ruler. However, the manner of His arrival is unexpectedly humble – riding not on a majestic horse, but on a lowly donkey's colt. This imagery foreshadows the humility and gentleness of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled this prophecy during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

On Palm Sunday, the crowds welcomed Jesus with shouts of praise, laying down their cloaks and palm branches before Him. This scene is one of triumph and exaltation, as Jesus is hailed as the long-awaited Messiah.

Consider Matthew 21:6-9 (NLT), "The disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the centre of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, 'Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!'"

This parallel passage from the Gospel of Matthew also recounts the fulfilment of Zechariah's prophecy as Jesus enters Jerusalem. Just as foretold, Jesus rides on a donkey's colt, symbolising His humility and kingship. The crowd's response is one of jubilation and recognition, as they lay down their cloaks and palm branches, proclaiming Jesus as the promised Son of David and praising God for His arrival. This momentous event marks the beginning of Jesus' final journey to the cross, where He would ultimately fulfil His mission as the Saviour of the world.

The triumphal entry signifies Jesus' kingship and the fulfilment of prophecy. The people's shouts of "Hosanna!" reflect their recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah, the one who comes in the name of the Lord. It's a moment of jubilation and anticipation as the long-awaited Savior enters Jerusalem.

Point 2: The Humble Servant (Philippians 2:5-8)

Amidst the celebration, we also see Jesus' humility on display. Despite His rightful claim to kingship, Jesus chooses to enter Jerusalem not on a majestic steed but on a humble donkey. This act of humility foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, demonstrating His servant-hearted nature.

"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross." (Philippians 2:5-8, NLT)