The triumphant entry into Jerusalem signaled the commencement of Jesus’s final week on Earth. Sensing that His time to fulfill His destiny was drawing near, He made his way to Jerusalem, where he steeled himself for the trials ahead. The Passion Christ: The Triumphant Entry

Approaching Jerusalem with His disciples, they arrived at Bethphage, a town nestled on the Mount of Olives. There, Jesus instructed two of His disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter, you will find a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them right away.”

Following His instructions, the disciples procured the donkey and its colt, covering the latter with their garments. Jesus then mounted the colt as others spread leafy branches on the road before Him—a symbol of peace.

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowd accompanying Him hailed His arrival, proclaiming, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming! Hosanna in the highest!”

However, not all were pleased with the jubilation. Some Pharisees in the crowd objected to the fervent recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and urged Him to silence His disciples and the crowd. In response, Jesus asserted, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Today, Christians commemorate this triumphant entry as Palm Sunday during Easter, recognizing it as a pivotal moment affirming Jesus’s identity as the Messiah and the world’s savior.

The Significant

The triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem holds significant symbolism and meaning in Christian theology. Here are some key aspects of its significance:

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, reinforcing His identity as the promised Messiah.
2. Messiahship and Kingship: By entering Jerusalem amidst shouts of “Hosanna” and being hailed as the Son of David, Jesus is recognized as the long-awaited Messiah and rightful king in the lineage of David. This highlights His authority and sovereignty.
3. Symbolism of Peace: Riding on a donkey, traditionally a symbol of peace, contrasts with the image of a conquering king on a horse. Jesus’s choice of a donkey symbolizes His message of peace, humility, and servanthood rather than earthly power and domination.
4. Liberation and Salvation: The crowd’s exuberant response and proclamation of “Hosanna” reflect their anticipation of liberation from oppression and their belief in Jesus as the one who brings salvation and deliverance.
5. Conflict with Religious Authorities: The Pharisees’ reaction to the crowd’s acclaim highlights the tension and opposition Jesus faced from religious leaders. This foreshadows the conflict that would culminate in His crucifixion, emphasizing the rejection of Jesus by some religious authorities despite His divine mission.
6. Palm Sunday and Easter: The triumphant entry is commemorated by Christians as Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week leading up to Easter. It serves as a reminder of Jesus’s sacrificial journey towards the cross and His ultimate triumph over sin and death through His resurrection.

Overall, the triumphant entry into Jerusalem is a pivotal moment in Jesus’s ministry, underscoring His identity as the promised Messiah, King, and Savior, while also setting the stage for the events of Holy Week and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

The Passion Christ JS3: The Triumphant Entry

The Last Supper (Mathew 26: 17-30)