The Triumphal entry is an event of significant historical and spiritual importance. It’s a story that
has been told, retold, analyzed, and reinterpreted throughout the ages. This event, recorded in
the Gospel of Matthew 21:1-11, marks a pivotal moment in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
The Context
Before delving into the details of this monumental event, it’s crucial to set the stage and
understand the context. The Jewish people had been looking for a Messiah, a savior, to deliver
them from their oppression under the Roman Empire. This longing for a Messiah was a deeply
ingrained part of their culture and religious beliefs.
However, their expectations were often misguided. They expected a powerful, militaristic leader
who would overthrow the Romans and establish an earthly kingdom. This is where the story of
the triumphal entry challenges these expectations and paints a different picture of the Messiah.
Jesus the Messiah: A Different Kind of King
The announcement that Jesus was the Son of God was not just a spiritual revelation, but also a
political statement that challenged the Roman authorities. This was a time when even Roman
emperors claimed themselves to be the sons of God.
Jesus, however, chose to represent His power differently. While earthly kings displayed their
strength and authority by riding on chariots and horses, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey.
This was a significant departure from the norm, signaling a different kind of power and authority.
The Symbolism of the Donkey
The choice of a donkey was significant. Donkeys were not war animals; they were beasts of
burden, used by farmers to carry heavy loads. By riding on a donkey, Jesus was communicating
that He had come not as a military leader, but as a servant, to bear the burden of humanity’s
sin.
This was a stark contrast to the Roman Triumph, a grand procession in which victorious
generals rode chariots, the tanks of their day, through the city streets. Instead, Jesus’ entrance
into Jerusalem was humble and lowly, symbolizing a different kind of power and authority
The Palm Sunday Twist
The story of the triumphal entry takes an interesting turn on what is now known as Palm
Sunday. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowds shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who
comes in the name of the Lord.” They laid their cloaks and palm branches before Him, a sign of
honor and reverence.
However, their cries for salvation were tinged with misunderstanding. They longed for a savior
who would deliver them from Roman oppression, but Jesus knew that their true need was for
spiritual salvation. He had come not just to liberate them politically, but to free them from the
burden of sin.
The Crowd’s Reaction: A Mixed Response
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in an uproar, with people asking, “Who is this?”
Some were excited about the possibilities of this Messiah, while others were resentful. The
religious leaders, the Pharisees, even asked Jesus to rebuke His disciples for proclaiming Him
as the Son of David and the Messiah.
This moment marked the beginning of a series of events that would ultimately lead to Jesus’
crucifixion. The same crowd that hailed Him as King on Palm Sunday would, just a few days
later, shout, “Crucify Him!” This stark contrast highlights the fickle nature of human allegiance
and the danger of misplaced expectations.
The Challenge: Crown Him or Crucify Him?
The story of the triumphal entry presents us with a stark choice. Either we recognize Jesus as
the one true King and Messiah, or we dismiss Him as a fraud. This choice confronts us with the
reality of who Jesus is and challenges us to respond appropriately.
The Implications: A Complete Salvation
The triumphal entry reveals a crucial aspect of Jesus’ mission: He came to offer a complete
salvation, a salvation that addresses not just our physical needs, but also our spiritual needs.
He came to bear our burdens, to carry the weight of our sin, to provide forgiveness and
reconciliation with God.
The Ultimate Triumph: Revelation’s Vision of Heaven
The story of the triumphal entry doesn’t end with Jesus’ crucifixion. It finds its ultimate fulfillment
in the vision of heaven recorded in the book of Revelation. There, we see a multitude from every
nation, tribe, and language standing before the throne of God, holding palm branches in their
hands, and proclaiming, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the
Lamb.”
The Takeaway: Who is This?
The question that echoed through the streets of Jerusalem during the triumphal entry, “Who is
this?” is a question we must all grapple with. Who is Jesus to us? Is He a distant historical
figure, a moral teacher, or is He the King of Kings, the Savior of the world, the Son of God? How
we answer this question has profound implications for our lives.
In Conclusion
The triumphal entry offers a compelling portrait of Jesus as a different kind of king, one who
came to serve rather than to be served, to give His life as a ransom for many. It challenges our
expectations, confronts us with the reality of who Jesus is, and calls us to respond with faith and
allegiance. It’s a story that continues to resonate today, reminding us of the transformative
power of the gospel and the unparalleled love of God manifested in Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on the story of the triumphal entry, may we be inspired to embrace Jesus as King,
to trust in His power to save, and to live in the light of His ultimate triumph.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
– Psalm 20:7
