What is the triumphal entry? How is the triumphal entry significant?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The triumphal entry refers to the event commemorated by Christians today on what is known as Palm Sunday; it occurred one week prior to the resurrection of Jesus. The triumphal entry is recorded in all four Gospels as a key event in Jesus' ministry. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, and was treated like royalty by the people who spread cloaks and palm branches on the road. The crowds praised Him, shouting "Hosanna" and recognizing Him as the prophet from Nazareth. Though His disciples didn't initially understand its significance, they later recalled it after Jesus' glorification. The event highlighted Jesus' role as the Messiah and King, emphasizing His mission to deliver humanity from sin.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The triumphal entry is not recorded in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The triumphal entry is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 21:1–17; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:29–40; John 12:12–19) as one of the key events of Jesus' earthly ministry.
• Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey (colt) that had never been ridden alongside another donkey. The disciples placed their cloaks on the colt for Jesus to ride. This is described as fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
• Many of the people of Jerusalem who saw Jesus arrive acknowledged or treated Him as royalty. Mark 11:8 says, "And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields." This act of placing cloaks or palm branches on the road was an act generally used for a king or important ruler.
• The people of Jerusalem also sang praises of Him. Matthew 21:9 explains, "And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!'"
• Jesus' arrival during this time of Passover week led to much attention in the city. Matthew 21:10-11 notes, "And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, 'Who is this?' And the crowds said, 'This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.'"
• Jesus' disciples did not understand the significance of the triumphal entry at the time. John 12:16 reveals, "His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him."
• The Pharisees were jealous of the attention Jesus received. John 12:17–19 notes, "The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, 'You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.'"

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

There are many reasons the triumphal entry of Jesus was important. It served as a fulfillment of prophecy and was a recognition of His role. The triumphal entry also prepared the way for the events that led to His death and resurrection. It also reminds us of the importance of recognizing Jesus as the King He is, not necessarily as the king we desire. The people desired deliverance from Roman rule. Jesus came to deliver us on a much deeper level—from the power of sin. The triumphal entry is something Christians continue to celebrate and commemorate today. Truly Jesus is our Deliverer and King, worthy of our praise and adoration.

UNDERSTAND

• The triumphal entry is recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting its significance in Jesus' ministry.
• Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9, and was welcomed as a king with cloaks and palm branches.
• The triumphal entry marked the beginning of the final week before Jesus' crucifixion, revealing His role as the Messiah and Deliverer.

REFLECT

• How does the triumphal entry challenge your understanding of Jesus' role as King in your life today?
• What expectations do you have of Jesus, and how do they align with His mission to deliver us from sin?
• Reflect on a time when you didn't fully grasp the significance of an event in your life until later. How does this relate to the disciples' understanding of the triumphal entry?

ENGAGE

• Why did the people of Jerusalem welcome Jesus as a king during the triumphal entry, and how did their expectations differ from His actual mission?
• What is the significance of Jesus fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey?
• How can we draw parallels between the triumphal entry and our understanding of Jesus' kingship and mission?