The Triumphant Entry, it was more than fulfillment of prophesy; it gives us a
glimpse into our lives here and now for: What if it happens again tomorrow?
Have you ever read the four Gospel accounts of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem?
Now we have all heard the main story which all the writers agree on. Some are more
descriptive than others but all have the same theme. We read in 3 of the 4 accounts
that Jesus sent the disciples ahead to untie and bring back a donkey colt. The owner
of the donkey lets it go without much question. As Jesus rides the donkey into
Jerusalem people wave palm branches and lay there coats on the road to glorify the
coming of the new king. In all the accounts the people shout “Hosanna, Blessed is He
who comes in the name of the Lord!” But then the Gospels begin to tell a different
story. Let’s look at them:
Matthew writes in verses 10,11
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is
this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Think about our world today. When Jesus returns will everyone in town know
Him? There will be many that will see Him and be in awe of our Savior’s return, but
there will be many who won’t even know who Jesus is. They will ask “Who is this?”
They must be told by those that know before that day happens.
Next Mark in verse 11
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at
everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Mark was much simpler in his account. I can see this very easily in our world.
There will be many that won’t even notice that Jesus returned. They will be so busy
with this world they will not care to come and see. What if Jesus leaves that town
without acknowledging them. What if it is too late? What happens then?
Now Luke verses 39,40
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Even today we will have religious leaders that have made religion into their
own plan. They will be upset when the truth comes to reign. They will tell the true
believers to be quiet as they try to save the worldly kingdom they rule over. But as
Jesus tells them; there will be no way of keeping His coming quiet.
Next we see Luke describing Jesus’ thoughts and emotions verses 41-44
41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you,
even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is
hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build
an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They
will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not
leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s
coming to you.”
He saw the city and wept over it. Jesus was hurt. Look at today’s world, will
Jesus weep for us too? As we let the evil one blind us with his lies, building up walls
of hate and separation amongst us, destroying us with our own distrust. When all
along we knew the truth of Jesus Christ and His second coming but we DIDN’T
WATCH FOR IT!
Lastly we read in John verse 16:
16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did
they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had
been done to him.
Again that will happen here too. Some of the most trusted followers of Christ
will be taken off guard, even with great knowledge of the written word, they won’t
realize all the things happening right before their eyes.
Our Bible is amazing. The history has never been proven false and the
prophesies are happening all around us; for we are in the future of those writings.
The story of the triumphant entry should open our eyes to where we fit in the whole
picture, for it is obvious we all do. Read the word for yourself. Look to Jesus for
guidance. But most of all humble your hearts to change what the Spirit is asking you
to change. It will do no good to know but not to care.
Just My Thoughts
Pastor Scott