Zechariah 9:9-12; Matthew 21:1-10 (Luke 19:39)
In the Roman world a triumphal parade would be given to generals who had been successful in war. When they returned from their conquests a triumphal parade around the city would be made. This was the most glorious spectacle that their imagination could conceive.
And so, the apostle Paul uses this analogy to speak of how Christ victorious in battle against sin and death, leads his own through the earth. “Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” [2 Corinthians 2:14].
At the tail end of his ministry, Jesus headed towards Jerusalem where he was to face death on a cross. Jesus made a triumphal entrance into Jerusalem as s sign that he had defeated sin and death. However, unlike the triumphal entry made for Roman Generals during the time, his entry was marked in simplicity, and cheered on by such an unlikely crowd. There was no much pomp and colour. There were no trumpets to announce the entry of a triumphant war general. His entourage was simple. It was Jesus on the foal of a donkey and his disciples on foot. ‘And a very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9) This not so grand entry, was more than enough to stir the whole city of Jerusalem. ‘The people asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds answered, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee”’(Matthew 21:10-11).
The triumphal entry into Jerusalem marked several things:-
- Only those who had conquered in war were accorded such a display. As they went along on the streets of the city, their gains in war would be announced for all to hear that a great man was among the people. The triumphal entry of Jesus was to announce the entry of a King who had already defeated Satan, sin and death. The physical display of this triumph would be a the cross of Calvary in a few days to come.
- It was ordinary men and women who made his entourage as they cried out “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” These people acknowledged that Jesus was the son of David. This fulfilled the promise of God, “For thus says the Lord: David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel” (Jer 33:17). Therefore, as they welcomed him into Jerusalem, they were welcoming their King (King of kings [Rev :17:14] and Lord of lords [19:16]).
- As Jesus entered Jerusalem, these people cried out to him saying “Hosanna”. The word hosanna in Hebrew means ‘save us’. It is a cry for ‘help and salvation’. “Save us, we pray, O Lord! O Lord, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 118:25-26) These people recognised Jesus as their king, the one who comes to bring them salvation.
- The shout of praise as Jesus entered Jerusalem drew people to Jesus. The whole city was stirred with people asking ‘Who is this?” When we give a shout of praise to Jesus as our Lord and King, it will no doubt draw people to him. People want to be part of some good action. This is why they will gather in stadiums to cheer their favourite teams. When there are celebratory fireworks, people stand to watch and ask “What is going on?” Does your praise of Jesus stir people to ask who he is and why you praise him?
Palm Sunday comes to us as a historical fact that reminds us that Jesus is our King. Even though it is marked once a year, it is a time to be reminded that we need to daily offer praise to him that befits a King. When God’s people live a life of praise, victory and joy becomes a part of daily life. When people ask you the meaning of the joy and victory in your life, be kind and keen to introduce them to Jesus who gives it all liberally to all who ask of him.
“but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
Have a blessed Palm Sunday