Jesus' Triumphal Entry - Holy Week Day 1

Today is widely recognized as Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ Triumphal Entry. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem at the beginning of Passover Week, He sat upon a donkey, thus fulfilling the prophecy given by Zechariah of the coming King.

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!

Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation,

Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9-10)

The crowds, watching as scriptures unfolded, ushered Jesus into the city in both word and deed. They shouted Hosanna! (which is to say, “save us!”) as they spread palm branches and their garments on the road before Him – two gestures which signified submission and reverence.

This Triumphal Entry paints the picture of Jesus being recognized as King and Messiah, Jerusalem’s long awaited Savior. Although, we understand that Jesus’ true kingship and messianic fulfillment did not match their expectations. Many sought freedom from Roman rule, therefore they anticipated Jesus to rise to the throne of a political and military ruler to relieve them from national oppression. However, Jesus’ kingdom would not be enacted by way of force, but rather through willing submission. In John 10, Jesus says:

“No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” (John 10:18 NLT)

Ironically, He would demonstrate His authority by laying it down – becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Phillipians 2:8) 

Little could the crowd have known that what was about to transpire during Holy Week would not only leave their expectations unrealized, but upended. Just as the cross and its wisdom flew in the face of 1st century Judeans, so does it challenge our understanding of what victory looks like today. 

Reading Guide

• Zechariah 9:9-10

• Matthew 21:1-11

• John 10:18

• Philippians 2:8

• Proverbs 19:21

  
  

Reflection Questions

1. Are my expectations shaped by what I want, or what God wills?

2. What does success, or victory, look like for me in my life? 

3. What are the motives driving my view of success, and are they in alignment with Kingdom principles? 

   
   

Prayer Focus

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

(Psalm. 139:23-24)

-Edna Noel