The Triumphal Entry: Jesus, the Promised King

Today, we reflect on the powerful moment of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as shared by Pastor Scott from Matthew's account. This event, recorded in all four Gospels, is a profound testament to Jesus' purpose and sacrifice. I encourage you to read Matthew 21:1-11, alongside the accounts in Mark, Luke, and John, to fully grasp the significance of this moment.

Jesus Knew, Yet He Came

What strikes me as truly incredible is that Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, fully aware of the suffering that awaited Him. In Luke 9:22, He told His disciples, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day." Despite knowing the pain, rejection, and death that lay ahead, Jesus steadfastly set His face toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). The prophet Isaiah, who lived 700-800 years before Christ, foretold this resolve, saying He set His face like flint (Isaiah 50:7). Nothing could deter Jesus from His mission to give His life for you and for me.

Jesus came, knowing the cost, because He is our Lord and Savior. He came for you. He came for me. He came for all of us. This act of love and sacrifice is the heart of the triumphal entry.

Matthew 21:1-11: The Promised King Arrives

Let’s dive into Matthew’s account of this moment. The Word of God says:

"Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, 'Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, "The Lord has need of them," and immediately he will send them.' All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 'Tell the daughter of Zion, "Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey."'

So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'

And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, 'Who is this?' So the multitude said, 'This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.'"

This passage reveals three key truths about Jesus as the promised King.

1. His Arrival Was Appointed

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was not random; it was God’s divine plan. Every detail was orchestrated to fulfill Old Testament prophecies. In verses 2-3, Jesus instructs His disciples to find a donkey and her colt, knowing exactly where they would be. This wasn’t guesswork—Jesus, being all-knowing, appointed this specific animal for His entry.

Verses 4-5 confirm this was to fulfill Zechariah’s prophecy from around 500 years earlier: "Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey'" (Zechariah 9:9). Every step of Jesus’ triumphal entry was part of God’s perfect plan to reveal Him as the promised Messiah.

2. He Arrived with Humility

Despite being the King of kings, Jesus entered Jerusalem with profound humility. Verse 5 describes Him as "lowly, and sitting on a donkey." Unlike a conquering king riding a warhorse, Jesus chose a donkey, a symbol of peace and humility.

This humility is a reminder for us as Christians. While we often struggle with pride, Jesus’ example calls us to walk humbly. A humble servant is precious in God’s sight, and Jesus’ entry challenges us to reflect: Are we walking in humility as He did?

3. He Arrived with Authority

Though Jesus came humbly, He also came with undeniable authority. In verses 2-3, He commands His disciples to retrieve the donkey and colt, declaring, "The Lord has need of them." His authority is evident as the multitudes gather, spreading their clothes and palm branches on the road (verses 6-8). Thousands upon thousands cried out, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (verse 9).

"Hosanna" means "save us," and the crowd recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah from the line of David. Though they may have expected a political conqueror, Jesus came to conquer sin, death, and Satan through His sacrificial death and resurrection. His authority as Lord and Savior was on full display.

Is Jesus King in Your Life?

As we reflect on this glorious moment, imagine the scene: thousands lining the streets, praising Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. It was like the grandest parade, far surpassing any festival or celebration. But beyond the spectacle, the question remains: Is Jesus king in your life today?

For Those Who Don’t Know Him

Have you trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Salvation begins with giving your life to Him. Recently, a young girl in our church prayed to trust in Jesus, tears in her eyes, longing to give her life to Him. If you haven’t made that decision, I plead with you to do so today. Call on Jesus, the promised King, and make Him Lord of your life.

For Believers

If you’ve been saved, is Jesus truly king in every area of your life? Are there places where you’ve let worldly things take the throne? Reflect on these questions:

• Is Jesus king in your heart? The Bible says, "Out of the heart flow the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). What’s reigning in your heart—Jesus or something else?
• Do you love the King? Jesus commands us to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). Are you loving Him fully and loving others as He does?
• Do you spend time with the King? Are you praying and reading His Word daily, growing closer to Him? Time with Jesus is never wasted.
• Do you live for the King? Does your life reflect that Jesus is Lord? Are you worshiping, serving, and giving joyfully to Him?
• Do you share about the King? If Jesus is king in your life, you’ll want to tell others about His love and salvation.

A Call to Make Jesus King

As we close, I urge you to spend time alone with God. Ask Him, "Is Jesus king in my life? Are there areas where I need to surrender to You?" If you’ve never trusted Jesus, make today the day you call on Him for salvation. If you’re a believer, recommit to making Him king in every part of your life.

Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, knowing the cross awaited Him. He did it for you and for me. Let’s honor Him by making Him king in our hearts, our lives, and our world.

Father God, thank You for Your Word. Work in our hearts through this passage. Convict those who need salvation to call on You today. Draw believers back to You, helping us grow in our walk with You. May all honor, glory, and praise go to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.