The Triumphal Entry

The Triumphal entry 

 Mathew 21:5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ (NIV)

During Jesus’ time in ministry, people had come to know him as a healer: teacher, preacher, restorer of the dead, and a man full of compassion. He was loved by some and hated by many. The religious leaders felt threatened by him and wanted to see him dead. The people looked up to him more than they looked to the Pharisees, Sadducees and other religious leaders. The religious leaders taught law, while Jesus taught grace. They taught condemnation, but Jesus taught forgiveness. They burdened people down with religion while Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Mathew 11:28-30 (NIV) They taught the opposite of what Jesus had come to do. They were in conflict with each other. Something would have to give.

          The religious leaders expected a Savior who would bring an end to their captivity with Rome. Jesus was trying to bring an end to their captivity of the law; A law which was impossible to keep successfully. A law which only brought condemnation to all who tried to follow it. A law which left you unfulfilled because of the lack of grace and mercy that it showed. A law of works under which no Salvation was given. Animal sacrifices wasn’t enough to permanently satisfy the debt owed due to sin. It was only enough to get by until the real Sacrifice of the Lamb of God was made.  

          Jesus having never displayed any acts of royalty made a decision to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. This would be the first time he would have made it clear that he was a King. He had the disciples to go get a young donkey so that he could ride upon it. A donkey was a symbol of something that was and wasn’t. A donkey’s strong enough to carry up to almost half its weight and yet humble enough when properly broken in. This signified Jesus’ authority as King and yet humbleness as God’s vessel.  

          The disciples placed their cloaks upon the donkey for Jesus’ to sit on. As he rode into Jerusalem, the people began to put their garments on the ground for him to ride over. Others took branches off of the trees and laid them on the ground before him. This was an act of prophecy once again being fulfilled. The people shouted praises unto him. They worshiped him as the King that he was. They honored him for fulfilling the prophecy that had been given years ago. They knew that he was their savior and had come to free them from the bondage of sin by which they were held captive. They rejoiced and blessed his name. Unfortunately, a few days later, the celebration will have ceased and the shouts of praise will turn to shouts of persecution. The joy would not be long lived.