Sermon Snippet – The Triumphal Entry of Jesus
INTRODUCTION – On Palm Sunday (so named because the people placed palm branches before Jesus – see John 12:13), we remember the Triumphal Entry of the Savior into the city of Jerusalem. The account in Luke 19:28-44 is particularly detailed and especially thought-provoking.
1. TWO DISCIPLES SECURED A DONKEY
Verses 28-36 relate this part of the story, and John 12:14-15 clarifies that the “colt” was a donkey. It would have been easy for these two disciples to bristle about such a seemingly trivial task. Of course, it was not at all trivial, for the commands of Jesus always matter. Also, the precise prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 had to be fulfilled (see John 12:14-16). We should note verse 35: “They cast their garments upon the colt.” These two went beyond a perfunctory carrying out of an order and lovingly and respectfully placed their outer cloaks on the donkey to provide a more comfortable ride for their Savior. Colossians 3:23 states, “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” These two men exemplify this attitude that all of us should have.
2. THE DONKEY’S OWNERS SHOWED SPIRITUAL SENSE
The unnamed owners initially questioned what appeared to be a theft of their valuable property. However, as soon as they heard that “the Lord hath need of him” (verse 34), they willingly agreed to let the animal go. Their immediate acceptance of the Lord’s sovereign right to this donkey reveals sincere spiritual understanding. “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). May we join with these faithful folk and gladly acknowledge His sovereignty, “that in all things He might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18).
3. DEVOUT PEOPLE GREETED THE SAVIOR
Verses 36-38 record the excitement of the people who correctly applied Psalm 118:26 to Jesus. Psalm 118 was part of the Egyptian Hallel (meaning “praise”) that pilgrims sang at Passover, which was only days away. Their expectation of a Savior was based upon their comprehension of Scripture – Scripture which Jesus fulfilled in all ways (Matthew 5:17-18). His “mighty works that they had seen” (verse 37) confirmed that He was the One Who would save. May we join in this praise that Jesus richly deserves.
4. THE DESPERATE LEADERS DESPISED JESUS
Verses 39-40 disclose the intense hatred that the religious leaders had for Jesus, the true Leader. So great was their animosity that they wanted to silence the loud crowd. Words taken from the Old Testament, God’s Word, angered them, and the irony was lost on them. Later, though, some of these lost leaders repented and became Christians (Acts 6:7 – “a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith”). Jesus, “despised and rejected of men” (Isaiah 53:3), did not despise and reject these men but continued to reach out to them and offer His eternal salvation.
5. JESUS LAMENTED THE DYING CITY
The sad prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem is given in verses 41-44, a prophecy which was fulfilled more than three decades later in A.D. 70. The tears of Jesus remind us that He has “no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways, for why will ye die?” These words from Ezekiel 33:11 reveal the obvious: the Savior wants to save. One day, all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26), and Jesus will make another, final Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:4; Ezekiel 43:1-7).
CONCLUSION – May each one of us gratefully receive the saving entrance of Jesus into our lives. The triumph of Palm Sunday would be superseded by the ultimate triumph of Easter, of Jesus’ victory over sin and Satan, death and hell. Let us open our hearts to His victorious entrance.