FLinG – April 17, 2011 - Triumphal Entry

The Triumphal Entry
(Mark 11:1-11 ESV)
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

* \o/ * \o/ * \o/ * * \o/ * \o/ * \o/ * {hands raised in praise} * \o/ * \o/ * \o/ * * \o/ * \o/ * \o/ *

Isn't this the best? Jesus "arrives" and is honored, and hailed, and worshiped as the King He is. People are shouting "Hosanna in the hightest!" and fanning the air with Palm branches. It is a joyous occation and quite worthy of Jesus.

He is riding a colt that has not felt a humans weight on its back; meaning it is clean and pure. Just like our Jesus. And, riding this colt fulfills the prophecy stated in Zechariah 9:9 where it is said the people should rejoice as their King humbly approaches on the foal of a donkey, a colt, righteous and offering salvation.

This entry is significant because He is proclaiming Himself as the Messiah.

Unfortunately, the people thought this was a "political parade" and that they would be "freed" from the oppression of the Romans just like they were hundreds of years earlier when Moses led them out of Egypt and slavery. They don't understand what is happening. (Hosanna literally means "save now".) This was not a "celebration of liberation" of their current circumstances. This is ultimately the defeat of Satan, the defeat of the power of sin in our lives, and the defeat of death. Jesus knows this as He rides on this colt to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, but He also knows what is about to take place in just a few short days.

Jesus enters the temple to see if it is actually serving its purpose of leading people to true worship of God, then, since it is late, moves on to stay with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus for the night.

Question: Do you have traditions for Palm (Passion) Sunday? Comment below :)

Sending Peace & Blessings your way ...

Here is a link to the ESV Bible Study Harmony of the Events of Holy Week if you would like to read more.