The incident that is recorded in the gospels as the Triumphal entry is significant because it marks Jesus’ last effort to show to the Jews that he was indeed the son of God, the Messiah and yes, their king. We may recall that the prophecy of Isaiah pointed to the coming of the One who would reign on David’s throne, (See Isaiah 9:6-8) hence the expectation of the Jewish people over many centuries of a ruler like David who would lead them in triumph over their enemies. At the time of Jesus, the domination of the Jewish people by the much-hated Romans was for many the opportunity for Jesus to prove himself finally as that expected ruler that was called in Hebrew the Messiah or translated in the Greek, the Christ. In this light, Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey was suggestive of a ruler coming to his people in a time of peace but it was also potentially inflammatory given the tensions with the Jewish leaders at the time. It seemed that Jesus was deliberately walking into trouble by this act. Perhaps in the eyes of the Jewish leaders, ‘stunt’ would be a more appropriate description for what Jesus was doing here. Let us take a closer look at what is happening in this scene, just a few days away from the annual Passover Festival.
On the surface we have no idea why Jesus has chosen this particular day to ride into Jerusalem. We can only surmise that there is a message being sent or a point being made in this act. To whom is it being sent? The most obvious answer is that Jesus’ message was for the thousands perhaps millions of Jews who were gathering in Jerusalem. We may even ask why he chose to ride in the first case and not walk as was his custom before this. It is clear that his actions were deliberately considered and planned for this specific time. You may note that he sent the disciples ahead to collect the animal as prior arrangements were already made for its use. (See verse 31) One could also ask why he chose to use a donkey rather than a horse. All of these things were deliberately intended to send a particular message or in this case to reveal who Jesus was to the people.
The clear message was that Jesus was indeed the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy that someone from David’s lineage would come to save his people. (See Isaiah 9:6) As a king he came not as a warrior but as a man of peace. The donkey was the animal that kings rode in times of peace while the horse was an animal ridden in times of war. He rode into Jerusalem at the time of the Passover for two reasons. First, his entry to Jerusalem at the time of the Passover was to gain maximum attention to his message. At this Passover celebration, Jerusalem was filled with Jews from all over the world. Secondly, and more importantly, the Passover was a time when sacrifices were offered to God in commemoration and thanksgiving to God for deliverance of their forebears from enslavement in Egypt. Jesus was riding into Jerusalem as the ultimate sacrifice to free human beings from their enslavement to sin. All of these signified the importance of Jesus’ riding into Jerusalem on that momentous day.
As he embarks on this journey on the back of a donkey into Jerusalem, excitement builds by the hour and the disciples and all with him have laid their clothing and branches on the ground but even more importantly they are shouting “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord” (See verse 38) It is noticeable that Luke omits the term ‘Hosannah’ whereas the other gospels do not. This word Hosannah originally meant ‘Save us’ in Hebrew but overtime it came to be used as a word ascribing praise to God. It is very likely that in this text it was being used as praise to God for sending Jesus as king or saviour of his people depending on which of the gospel accounts you use. In the middle of all this, we take note that the crowd is building and so is the excitement and anticipation about what would happen next. Whenever there is a crowd at an event you can be certain that people are there for different reasons or with different expectations.
Many people would have followed him as his devoted disciples. We must remember that Jesus had a larger following of disciples than the initial twelve that he had called. Some would have followed him because they had great expectations. They really thought that now was the time that Jesus would seek to lead a violent revolution and overthrow the political rulers of the day namely the Romans. A great many would have followed because they were simply curious about this man Jesus. They would have heard about his teachings and the amazing things he had been doing including raising at least two persons from the dead and of course many were there who were simply looking for something to accuse him of, hopefully something that they could lay a charge against him for. Lastly, there were many who followed simply because they were absorbed in the moment without any real thought or interest in what was going on. They couldn’t care less who he was or what might happen next. They simply followed for the sake of being caught up in the moment. Everyone of us should see ourselves as part of that crowd of followers. We may not be there physically today but try to imagine yourself among that crowd listening to the shouts of acclamation and seeing the adulation that this man is getting. Get a little bit closer and try to look at his face. Hopefully, you will see him looking back at you. Ask yourself the question: What am I doing in this crowd? Are you one of those throwing the branches and your clothing at him? Are you following just because you are accompanying another friend or relative who is more interested in him? Are you following because you feel compelled to do so? Are you following because you are eager to see something dramatic like a miracle happening right before your eyes? Are you simply an unidentifiable face in that crowd or have you had the privilege to look into his eyes and see him look back directly at you? As we commemorate Palm Sunday each year these questions must fill your heart and your mind. All of them can be summarized in one question, a question which asks each of us today, what are you doing in that crowd. It is also possible that some are not even in the crowd. They have deliberately stayed behind or caused themselves to be left behind. They want nothing to do with this man.
The events of Palm Sunday must point us to a number of important things that we must reflect on about our relationship with the man walking on that donkey to Jerusalem more than two thousand years ago, to give his life for you and me.
First of all, we will notice that people gave tangible things to honor the Son of God. Someone gave a young donkey and others gave their clothing. Spreading clothing was traditionally a way of expressing homage or honor to someone of high honor or rank. The people were in effect saying by their actions that they were paying homage to this man, the King of all people. This action was reminiscent of the anointing of Jehu as king of Israel. (See 2 Kings 9:13) In this account we see that someone gave Jesus a colt to ride on while people gave up their clothing to walk on to show their regard to this humble man. What are you giving to God today? Our praise and acclamation of God’s sovereignty in our lives should be seen not only on this special day but in all the ways we give to others, especially those who need to feel God’s presence in our lives.
Secondly, we are reminded to give praise to God for he has provided for us a Savior. Even though Jesus was on his way to the cross he recognised the acclamation was important because in this impending act of his crucifixion, God was doing something of utmost importance to all humanity. His son was completing the final act of salvation for humanity. As a result, we are here, we exist to give God praise and honor. This is why Jesus told the Jewish leaders that if the disciples were silent then the stones would cry out. Palm Sunday is a time to burst with shouts of acclamation. How do you acclaim Christ in your life today? Are you just waving a branch in the crowd with everybody else without meaning and purpose or have you met the piercing look of the Saviour who is calling you to take up your cross and follow him as well? Are you filled with praise because you know that God has blessed you immensely and is still doing so even now? Is your praise a testimony to what God has done for you? Despite all that is happening around you, you must give praise to God because he is still deserving of your praise.
Thirdly, we are reminded that we will always face opposition when we seek to glorify and praise God. There will always be some in the crowd whose only purpose is to discourage, to revile, and to dissuade people from doing what their hearts are telling them to do or to respond as God is speaking to them. It is not surprising that it was the leaders of the people who objected to the glory and praise being showered on Jesus. They always felt threatened by this man who seemed to teach and do things with power and authority undoubtedly from God. In a nutshell, they feared Jesus and were equally suspicious of him and hence tried to belittle everything that he did. We must be clear that people from all stations of life try to minimize and discourage the work of the church and Christians everywhere, not just political leaders. There are many in the crowd who are eager to tell you to be quiet about your faith. They will tell you it’s not relevant or it’s old fashioned or it’s not appropriate for this time and place or simply you cannot believe everything the Bible says or there is no God and a whole lot more reasons. Of course there is also the fact that Christians over the centuries have faced violent persecution for their faith.
What are you doing in the crowd? Are you one of those who is joining with the authorities of the day and everyone else who is trying to dilute, minimise or discourage or are you among those who are waving the branches with great joy today because you are acknowledging the One who has made a difference in your life. Are you in the crowd because God has done something for you and you are giving thanks or you simply want to praise God because he is God.
May I urge us as we wave our palms this Palm Sunday to see yourself in that crowd and reflect on what you are doing in that crowd and may you be led into praise and reflection on the saving work of God for you and for the world. In a time when so much is chaotic and turbulent all over the world and in our personal situations too, may we go from here acknowledging and praising God who is still able and still doing marvelous things among us and still wants to use us to reflect his power and glory in the world. Keep waving those palms and giving God praise everyday of your life. Amen.
