stephen R Harrison

“Into the City”

“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’”

-Luke 19:37-38

As we enter Holy Week and make our way to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday (Easter), we begin with Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday. All four Gospels tell us of this remarkable event (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19). This event marked and announced Jesus’ messiahship and kingship but also fulfilled Old Testament prophecies like Zechariah 9:9. While called his Triumphal Entry (he did victoriously defeat sin, death, the cross, and the grave), at first glance, it didn’t seem so triumphal. Maybe some referred to it as the un-triumphal entry. 

Jesus rode into Jerusalem that day on a borrowed donkey, not a noble white stallion. He didn’t go to the King’s palace but to the temple. There were no royal robes, fanfare, army marching, or chariots caravaning alongside. His entry, to some, may have been a real disappointment. Most saw a messianic deliverer who would lead a revolt against Rome…but on a borrowed donkey? Didn’t he need a warhorse? Some saw him as King of kings, praised him with “Hosannas”, threw their coats on the ground, and waved palm branches in the air. However, when he failed to meet their expectations of being a temporary savior from political Rome, they traded in their Hosannas for “Crucify him” and raised fists of rage instead of palm branches of praise. They demanded the release of a notorious prisoner named Barabbas instead of the sinless Son of God the Savior (Matthew 27:15; 22-23).

Lent allows us to reflect on Jesus’ last week before being crucified and see his humility. He did not enter with pomp and circumstance but with humility and meekness. He was not coming to overthrow Rome and become its next emperor, but already as the King of the universe. He may not have been the king that they wanted, but he was the King they needed. He displayed love, mercy, and servanthood. He didn’t conquer by force but would willingly lay down his life for ours. He had already entered this world in humility and lowliness, and now he similarly entered Jerusalem. He was still the true Davidic Messiah and King. His lowly donkey fulfilled prophecy as a gentle Savior, bringing peace to the nations. He would be the final sacrifice for our sins – a Lamb entering the city to be led to slaughter (Hebrews 10:12; Isaiah 53:7). 

As that donkey bore the burden of Christ entering the city, Jesus would bear the burden of sin for all humanity and bring salvation to all who would come to him in faith. That common donkey connected him to common man – all who called on him would be saved, not just the elite or wealthy. While not spectacular in the world’s eyes, his perfect entrance into the city that day would begin his journey to the cross – our cross. He may have seemed weak that day, but give him a week. He would rise victoriously over the grave!

Questions: 

How might Jesus’ Triumphal Entry been different if humans had overseen and produced?

How does Jesus’ Triumphal Entry match his character?

Prayer:

Jesus, your Triumphal Entry was perfect in every way, matching your sinless perfection. We strive to resemble your humility and meekness, which you displayed that day and every day. Thank you for going to the cross and humbly sacrificing your life for ours. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Read: 

Luke 19:28-44

Action Step:

Read the four Gospel accounts of the Triumphal Entry.