The Triumphal Entry

Think about the biggest event that has happened in your life as of today. Although everyone’s “big day” might look different, there are some that are obvious to all. Jesus had one of those days. While He did a lot of amazing things that impressed people, changed lives, and even revealed the true nature of God’s will, there was still one day that was the culmination of His entire ministry and purpose for being here – The Crucifixion.

It’s the highlight of the Good News “Gospel.” Why? Because His death paid the penalty for our sins. The forgiveness of sins is essential for salvation. Thankfully, Jesus was willing to do that. The interesting thing, however, is how the entire Jewish sacrificial system reflected this one event in history that would change all cultures forever.

It began with the lamb selection day, or the triumphal entry (Luke 19:29-44). This was part of the Passover meal preparations. The Passover was a time of feasting and tension. It was a time of deliverance and fear. Those trusted God were delivered; those that failed to trust Him… weren’t.

That feast was intended to be an annual reminder of their freedom from bondage (Exodus 12:14). Yet, the Israelite history was full of captivity, defeat, failures, and rejections. It seemed that what they had been freed from still haunted them for many generations. In fact, even during Jesus’ time on earth, the people still didn’t truly honor God for being the source of deliverance. Many had a different idea in mind – a more selfish idea of what the Messiah would do for them.

Christ’s sacrifice clearly demonstrated God’s level of commitment to redeem us. Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Even though His own disciples urged him “not to return to Jerusalem!” (Matthew 16:21-23) to which Jesus replied, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

What Jesus was doing was fulfilling a greater ancient story of redemption that served as further proof of His deity and His purpose for mankind (Philippians 2:6-8) -- starting with allowing Himself to be “selected” for slaughter. 

This was one of many prophecies that would be fulfilled before Jesus would proclaim, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Perhaps as we read these passages, we can find reassurance that Jesus truly is the king that we’ve been waiting for. As the people in Bethany shouted the 118th Psalm, “…Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord, we bless You. The Lord is God, and He has made His light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, and I will exalt You. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalms 118:15-29).