8:9). 7:12-13). 19:38; Jn. The former cites Zechariah 9:9 specifically; the latter alludes to it more generally.
Some take the expression having salvation to mean that the king would bring a plan of salvation for fallen humanity. Chapters 9-14 are heavily Messianic in argument. 12:16; cf. The disciples did as they were told and brought the colt back to Jesus, threw their cloaks over it, and Jesus rode the colt to Jerusalem. He and his family are members of Northfield (Minnesota) EFC. I have previously written about this text and this truth: Jesus Triumphal Entry: The Stones Cry Out (Part 1); Jesus Triumphal Entry: The Stones Cry Out (Part 2)". 2 Sam. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. Mk. The chief priests desired to kill both (12:10). And most of the crowd spread their garments in the road; and others cut branches from the trees, and spread them in the road. (John 12:1-3), During the dinner, Mary anointed Jesuss feet with fragrant oil and wiped his feet with her hair. In the beginning of this Gospel, John records Nathanael saying the same thing about Jesus: Rabbi, you are the Son of God! What this means is that Jesus entered into an exciting, tense and potentially explosive situation. She and her husband have five childrenthree who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at homeplus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock. Prior to entering into Jerusalem, Jesus views the city and weeps (Lk. (2) The OT prophet described the Messiah as just. He was to be righteous in life, and just in his dealings with man (cf. 19:32). When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Not that he needed to be saved from sin, because he never committed any sin (2 Cor. And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" It was, according to Judas, a waste. 3 Things to Focus on When Being a Witness for Jesus. It was this sign that led the people to desire to meet Jesus. This day is commonly called Palm Sunday, the appellation being taken from the events that occurred subsequently on this notable occasion. 
During the Jewish festivals, especially Passover, Jerusalem was an exciting place. Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! Many of the Galilean disciples had earlier seen Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead.
It remains so to this day. Thus, the Saviors Triumphal Entry into the city of Jerusalem, one week before Resurrection Sunday, signaled both deliverance and doom. 19:29-44; Jn. As J.G. All rights reserved. 16:13) and gave them eyes to see and understand. Hosanna, is a Hebrew expression which means save, and it became an exclamation of praise. Jer. When the Saviors men returned, donkeys in tow, the two animals were adorned with the outer garments of the disciples, reflecting perhaps the fact that they did not know which of the two beasts of burden he would choose.
12:12-19). The palm branches symbolized and foreshadowed victory. They claimed the whole world, was going to see him (12:19; cf.
Study this account of the Triumphal Entry of the Savior with pleasure and profit. Learn Religions, Aug. 26, 2020, learnreligions.com/palm-sunday-story-700203. In Revelation 7:9 were given a glimpse of the fulfillment of Jesuss victory, where palm branches will once again be used to praise the Lamb of God. Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-11). The former would obtain for those who acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah and surrendered to his will; the latter would prevail for those who rejected him.
It is important to note Johns transition. Lenski surmised that Matthew chose not to include this portion of Zechariahs prophecy because it did not pertain specifically to the procession into Jerusalem The Interpretation of St. Matthews Gospel, Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1961, p. 804). The Passover lamb was to be selected four days before Passover. Why Are Palm Branches Used on Palm Sunday? They spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road, and shouted, Hosanna! to the son of David: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, the entire city was stirred, saying, Who is this? And the crowds said, This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee (Mt. When we piece together the details from each of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Johns unique narrativeswe gain a clear picture of who King Jesus is, why He came, and the future in store for all who put their hope and trust in Him. The palm branches that were used to pave Jesuss way into Jerusalem (John 12:12-15; Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; and Luke 19:28-44) were a symbol that foreshadowed Christs victory over sin and the grave. Psa. 6:15; Acts 1:6). They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. (Revelation 7:9), 2. Large Passover crowds surrounded Jesus, shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David! This section in Johns Gospel focuses on the feast of unleavened bread culminating in the Passover. But Jesus rebuked Judas and told him, It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. The expression the prophet is most likely an allusion to the declaration of Moses concerning the prophet whom Jehovah would raise up, and who, in some ways, was foreshadowed by Israels great deliverer of fifteen centuries earlier (Dt. The varying phrases cited by the Gospel writers obviously reflect different expressions from the multitudes, yet the combined chorus is one of exaltation. 11:9-10; Lk. In the providence of God, it was a precursor to the anointing of Jesus body after his crucifixion and prior to his burial. Who is Jesus for you? O that it had; and yet would! released through Familius Publishing in 2020. 19:30). You are the King of Israel (1:49)! Roman soldiers had occupied their land for decades, and they hoped Jesus would lead them in a successful revolt." If anyone questioned their actions, the disciples were instructed to say that the Lord needed the donkey and it would return promptly. Hosanna in the highest heaven! (Matthew 21:8-11, Mark 11:8-10, Luke 19:36-38, John 12:12-13), The shouts of praise infuriated the Pharisees who were trying to find a way to catch and kill Jesus. Anxious to see Jesus and the man he had raised from the dead, the crowd headed to Bethany, en masse. Zavada, Jack. The same (in principle) and in a final, ultimate sense, applies today as well. Most of the Jews of this city of fifty to a hundred thousand souls (swelling to a million or so at Passover time) would not see the Messiahs visit as one offering salvation. Might our focus on the Lord Jesus Christ this week lead to worship of him and proclamation of this truth, as we trust him to work in the lives of people to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead., Art Volkmann: "What day of the week was six days before Passover? The Sunday before Jesuss crucifixion, also known as Palm Sunday, is an important day for all Christians to study and remember. Deane, Zechariah, The Pulpit Commentary, Spence & Exell, Eds., Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, p. 92). 12:13), hence the expression Palm Sunday. Spreading garments before a dignitary was a symbol of submission (see 2 Kgs. 21:12-17; Mk. 21:1-11; cf. The message communicated through these events, which fulfilled Old Testament prophetic promises, is that the Messianic king entered Jerusalem, Gods holy city. They returned to their homes and spread the word all over Bethany and the neighboring towns and villages until soon the reports of Jesuss astonishing miracle had reached the ears of every person in the region. ", Greg Strand: "Thank you for our comment, Art. The disciples were to unloose and bring back both animals. Pusey once observed that this entrance into Jerusalem by donkey would never have been done by a false Messiah, for their minds were set on earthly glory and worldly greatness (The Minor Prophets, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1974, II, p. 404). There may also be an allusion to Habakkuk 2:11, where the prophet announces that the stones of the wall will cry out in judgment against Babylon (Mark Strauss, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002, Vol.
12:19). The crowd and Galilean pilgrims are there for the Jewish festivities. Some paved the road with their garments; others with layers of leaves, at least some of which were from palm trees (Jn. In a manner of speaking, the stones of the Temple, as they were thrown down by the Romans, did testify of Heavens judgment upon a people that crucified their Messiah (cf. Unfortunately, from their limited vantage point, the disciples (even some of the closest) still viewed the kingdom as a political entity reminiscent of Davids regime (cf. 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. Demons: Ancient Superstition or Historical Reality. 5:1-29]; feeding the multitude [Jn. (Matthew 21:9, ESV). It is not without significance that the young animal made no resistance (cf. Mt. And yet, it is brimming with treasure, ready to be mined if the student is diligent enough to appreciate the task. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, He judges and makes war. (Revelation 19:11), 3. Annette has also written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children and has developed parent training seminars to benefit the community. The next time Jesus comes to earth, he will sit on a white horse, which symbolizes victory in battle. 22:7). https://www.learnreligions.com/palm-sunday-story-700203 (accessed July 21, 2022). Lk. And no criticism is warranted from fallible men who may not fully see the significance. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. Lk. 9:6), and his achievements are not by means of bloody conquests (Jn. Like Thomas, we utter, My Lord and my God (Jn. 19:37-40). The Biblical account of Jesuss triumphal entry into Jerusalem is so noteworthy that its one of the few events recorded in all four Gospels. 12:17). H.A. As they approached a village called Bethphage (house of figs specific site unidentified) on the western slope of Olivet, Jesus dispatched two (un-named) disciples into the community to obtain a donkey for use in the remainder of his journey into the sacred city. The excited crowd took palm branches and spread them on the road where Jesus rode into the city on a donkey (12:13). On Palm Sunday in a special way creation encountered and acknowledged its creator.
Zavada, Jack. Ironside, a millennialist, was positively wrong when he wrote: Never for one hour has he occupied the throne of David which is yet to be His (Notes on the Minor Prophets, Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Bros., 1909, p. 393). 11:9). And when they drew near to Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage, to the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying unto them, Go into the village that is just ahead of you, and straightway you shall find a donkey tied, and a colt with her: untie them, and bring them to me. ", Greg Strand: "Amen! As the Lord entered the city, the multitudes exclaimed: This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee (Mt. 2:8). They were expecting a Messiah who would be a national deliverer, who would reestablish the Davidic kingdom. Access date: July 21, 2022. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/783-the-triumphal-entry-of-jesus-into-jerusalem. The crowd that was with him when he raised Lazarus from the dead continued to follow him. Consider the following important points in the prophecy. They spread their cloaks on the ground with Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem. 12:23; cf. 118:25-26, hoping that Jesus is the promised Messiah. 19:29-44; Jn. The prophets main emphasis was to rekindle spiritual fervor in Israels hearts after they had fallen into a state of listlessness. This charge I have received from my Father (Jn. (John 12:9-11), The crowd engulfed Jesus. Baldwin has observed, the donkey was an appropriate mount for one who came on a mission of peace (Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1972, p. 166). 20022022 Evangelical Free 9:9, who comes to the Holy City to take his rightful place. The people's cries of 'Hosanna' came from. See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9, KJV) In Biblical times it was common for diplomatically inclined royalty to travel by donkey because the animal was a symbol of peace. Once the two men found the colt they were to untie the animal and bring it to Jesus. Is he merely someone to satisfy your selfish wants and goals, or is he your Lord and Master who gave up his life to save you from your sins? Christ informed the disciples that as they entered the village they would find a female donkey secured by a tie. With her would be a colt, also hitched. 118:25], Son of David: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel; Blessed be his kingdom. 19:44). The Jewish authorities also had concerns since they did not want to upset the Roman authorities. And the giving of his life was as the Passover Lamb, which is affirmed by John (1:29, 36) and Paul (1 Cor. (1) Zechariah declares that Israels king is coming. The verbal tense suggests that he is on the way even five centuries before his birth. The Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem marks the high point of his earthly ministry.
Horses were instruments of war (cf. The Lord enters the city, knowing full well that this trip will end in his sacrificial death for the sin of humanity. This was exhilarating for the Jews and others in the crowd. So the Pharisees said to one another, "You see that you are gaining nothing. The people recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah. 19:41-44). So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! 2022. Why Is it Celebrated? Jesus came as King of a different kingdomBilly Graham once explained that one of the reasons Jesuss horde of fans soon turned into His worst enemies was because "He refused to be the kind of king they wanted a political and military leader who would free them from the hated Roman government. At Bethany, Mary anointed Jesus feet with oil (12:3). One has written, By waving palm branches (a Jewish national symbol) the people hail Jesus as the Davidic king and echo the language of Ps. 5:7). 12:10), a bit of hyperbole to strengthen their justification and resolve to kill him. Jesus was clear that the Kingdom He had come to establish was not at all of this world. Undoubtedly they were spreading the news of that astonishing miracle. 23:5). They looked for Him all over Jerusalem and asked each other, What do you think? God never missed an opportunity to use powerful symbols throughout Scripture. This is one of the three instances mentioned in the NT where Christ shed tears (see also Jn. Since God is eternal, His kingdom is eternal. Most of the crowd probably understood the title King of Israel in a political and military sense, still hoping that Jesus would use his amazing powers to resist Roman rule and lead the nation to independence.. Having that many Jews in one place concerned them. 12:1,12), as the Lord and his disciples made their way toward Jerusalem. 
The sense is this. Although the masses had praised and honored Christ as King, He knew their hearts. 5:7). (e) Peace would result, and God would be glorified. The Romans were on special alert during these days. It would be of considerable value if the student would consult a work such as the one by William Stevens and Ernest Burton, A Harmony of the Gospels (New York: Scribners Sons, 1932), as an aid in seeing each of the Gospel accounts, with their complementary elements, side-by-side. 5:10). But Jesus informed the wicked religious leaders that the stones would cry out in praise if He silenced the crowd. Rather, the language seems to denote that he would experience a deliverance a victory. The Lords resurrection from the dead was seen as a deliverance, or a salvation of sorts, in Psalm 22:20-24. Peter declares otherwise (Acts 2:30ff). Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 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. 2:24, etc.). 53:8, as found in Acts 8:33; see also Phil. Praise Him'. Jn. On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to the village of Bethphage, about a mile away from the city at the foot of the Mount of Olives. There was a mixed reaction to the Saviors procession toward Jerusalem. Other Gospel writers also include that Jesus head was also anointed, indicating there was sufficient oil to anoint both Jesus head and feet (Matt. 19:40). All the Jews were enthusiastic about their faith and this ritual of Passover, as they relived an important part of their history and their faith. In the original context (9:1-8), Zechariah had declared that there would be an invasion of certain neighboring nations, which would affect even portions of Canaan. Jesus selected the colt, upon whose back no man had ever sat (Mk. The Kingdom of God transcends time and space. 19:45-46) and predicts his death (Jn. E.B. When Jesus was asked to do certain things, He made it clear that the hour had not yet come (Jn. Zech. However, the Hebrew word also can connote one who is poor, and is used elsewhere in this book in that very sense (cf. 12:9). The hour is related to the culmination of Jesus earthly ministry which is the cross, the place where Christ experiences the depths of sin, yet also the beginning of his exaltation through resurrection and glorification. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/palm-sunday-story-700203. There is an incident in the concluding days of Christs earthly ministry that is likely to be passed over with but little attention if the Bible reader is not careful. Palm branches were employed also as token of victory (Suetonius, Caligula, 32).
What Did Jesus Mean by 'Man Shall Not Live on Bread Alone'? the LXX rendition of Isa. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Lk.
(John 12:9-11) But Jesus and His disciples met the throng while on their way into Jerusalem. The New Testament writers focus upon incidents that are to occur in connection with Christs triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Her debut childrens book, What Is A Family? 
24:21). Their vision of him was limited by their own finite and worldly needs. 21:11). Under the guidance of the Spirit of God, Matthew alters the OT text somewhat. Jesus entered into Jerusalem on a donkey. But Jesus final journey to the cross marks his transition such that John records Jesus as saying, The hour has now come for the Son of Man to be glorified (Jn. 12:23; 17:1).
11:1-10; Lk. The same occurred with what Jesus said of the temple and his body (2:22). You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. (John 12:1-8), Before Leaving Bethany to complete their journey to Jerusalem, Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead of their traveling party in search of a particular donkey and her unbroken colt. Jesuss chosen means of transportation during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem was a fulfillment of prophecy. Blessed is the king of Israel! The prophet Zechariah was among the 50,000 or so Jews who returned in the first wave of Hebrews released from Babylonian captivity in 536 B.C. For brevitys sake, we will produce only Matthews record. All rights reserved. Many have read and recounted the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Matt. "The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem." It is appropriate, however, to note also that Christs deliverance was a sure sign of the deliverance of his people, and thus the active sense is embraced in the passive (W.J. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 4:15; 1 Pet. Others waved palm branches in the air. But now my kingdom is from another place. (John 18:36). By far the majority of those in the crowds seem to have praised the Messiah with manifold adulation. Zavada, Jack. (Luke 19:41-44), 1. The participle saved (a passive form) appears to refer to Christ himself. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, Who is this? The crowds answered, This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee. ~ Matthew 21:8-11.
