Palm Sunday: Jesus’ Triumphal Entry

Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–44; John 12:12–19

Jesus had done many miracles including recently raising Lazarus from the dead.  The Jewish Passover feast was this coming week and people came to Jerusalem to celebrate.  As people gathered, many talked about Jesus.  The people had long waited for a Messiah, a Savior who had been prophesied would come.  Many believed that Jesus was that Messiah.

As Jesus and his disciples drew near to Jerusalem, Jesus instructed two of them to go into a village.  Jesus told them they would find a young donkey that they could bring.  Jesus said that if anyone questioned them, they could just say that “The Lord has need of him.”  Things happened just as Jesus said.  The disciples found the colt and as they were getting it, they were asked why they did it.  When they gave the answer, they were able to bring the young donkey to Jesus.

In the Old Testament, a scripture (Zechariah 9:9) contains a prophecy of a King, having salvation, coming lowly riding on a donkey.  Jesus rode into Jerusalem on this donkey, fulfilling this prophecy.

As Jesus entered the city, great multitudes of people greeted Jesus.  They waved palm branches to celebrate Jesus’ arrival.  Some put their clothing or their palm branches in the road for Jesus to ride over, welcoming him to the great city of Jerusalem.  

The Procession in the Streets of Jerusalem by James Tissot

The people shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!”  These people were welcoming Jesus as their Messiah, the rightful heir of King David’s throne, King of Israel, the one to bring them salvation.

What do you think?

  • What would the Pharisees and the Jewish rulers think about so many people welcoming Jesus as their King?  What will they do?
  • What do you think about these people recognizing Jesus as a King?
  • Will Jesus save the people from their Roman oppressors?  
  • What will Jesus save the people from?

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