SUNDAY, DAY 1 -- TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

Jesus’ final entrance into the city of Jerusalem was set up to proclaim him as Savior. Up to this point, Jesus was careful not to publicly proclaim himself as Messiah (Mark 3:13; 7:36; 8:30; 9:9). But, it was finally time to let everyone know the truth – Jesus was the Messiah of God who had come to save the world.

Jesus Sends a Message

Jesus and his disciples strategically set up his entry to look like that of a king and the fulfilment of the Old Testament Messianic prophecy (Zech. 9:9). What is important is not what the crowds were saying — it’s what Jesus was trying to say. In this triumphal entry, Jesus was sending a clear message and challenging all our expectations.

1. Jesus is a humble King.

Jesus didn’t come bearing a sword. He didn’t come to coerce or subjugate or manipulate. He came as a humble man of the people of the land. He told his disciples that his kingdom would not be oppressive, like those of the world. Jesus came to set people free – not from the powers of this world – but, from the power of sin and death.

Reflection: How do you imitate Jesus in your attitude toward other people?

2. Jesus is a King who brings peace.

The word peace is repeated several times as Jesus enters Jerusalem. The angel proclaimed at his birth that he would bring glory to God and peace on earth (Luke 2:14). Jesus told his disciples that they were blessed when they were acting as peacemakers (Matt. 5:9). And he told his disciples that he brought a peace that the world could never offer (John 14:27).

And on Palm Sunday the people proclaim,“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38).

Reflection: What are you doing to build peace in your family, church, neighbourhood, and world?

3. Jesus is a King worthy of our worship.

The people were singing praises to Jesus as he entered Jerusalem. The Pharisees asked Jesus to rebuke them because in worshipping Jesus they were committing idolatry. Jesus proclaimed himself worthy of the praise. In fact, he told them that he would be worshipped, no matter what. If there were no people to sing his praises, the rocks would animate and begin to sing.