The Triumphant EntryPresented

ByDr. W. Terry Bailey

Palm Sunday

Today is an important day on the Christian calendar. Christians around the world have come together in many different churches to celebrate Palm Sunday.

Royal Observatory

The Royal Observatory of Greenwich, England defines the date of the first Palm Sunday as April 6, 32 AD.

On this day in the Spring Jesus, our Messiah, made a triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem.

Four Gospels

This event was considered so important that it was recorded by all of the four New Testament Gospel writers.

Matthew 21

Luke 19

Mark 11

John 12

Four Things of Relevance

A Preparation

A Prophecy

A Processional

A Prophet

Preparation

Matthew 21 gives us a vivid word picture of the Triumphant Entry of Christ into the Holy City of Jerusalem 5 days prior to His death.

His entry occurred on the 10th day of the month in the spring.

Five days later on the 14th day of the month Passover was to be celebrated.

The Lamb of God

This entry was important because the Passover lamb was taken up and set apart on this day. The lamb had to be set apart for 4 days.

Jesus is our Passover lamb. He was our substitute and sacrifice for sin on the cross at Calvary.

The Lamb

When He makes His public entry into Jerusalem He is presenting Himself to the world as our Passover lamb.

32 times in the Word of God the lamb is used as a symbol of the Lord Jesus Christ.

John the Baptist called Him the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world.

Revelation 22:3

Revelation 22:3 is the last recorded reference to the Lamb of God in the Bible.

“…..but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it.”

Preparation

Matthew 21:1-3 gives a record of the preparation of this entry.

Verse 2 records Jesus sending His disciples to get a donkey and her colt to be used by our Lord.

He gave them information as to how the animals would be found and he instructed them on what they should say should anyone question their actions.

I Have Need of You!

Verse 3 – “And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, the Lord has need of them, and immediately he will send them.”

I believe that Jesus is still making the statement – “The Lord has need of you.”

My prayer today is that South Greenwood would hear the word of the Lord – “I have need of you.”

A Prophecy

Matthew 21:4 – “All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet.”

Jesus is the central theme of prophecy. Revelation 19:10 – “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Zechariah 9:9

This prophecy of Christ’s triumphant entry was first recorded in the Old Testament book of Zechariah 9:9 which reads, “Behold, your King is coming to you.”

Hebrews 13:2

Hebrews 13:2 – “Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The Procession

Verse 8 records the events of the day.

The multitudes spread their garments. Many cut down palm branches from trees, and spread them in the way.

This was customary practice in parades of conquerors and princes who were honored by the people.

Hosanna

This was a day of joy. Scholars tell us that there were 2 ½ million people in the city to celebrate Passover and most of them lined the streets to crying out – “Hosanna – blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

The word hosanna means save us – save us now!

This was a cry for help from a people in distress. I submit to you that there is a similar cry today!

A Leader

There were looking for a conqueror – a political leader – a charismatic hero to deliver them from Roman tyranny and bondage!

This world is still looking for a political leader to come and fulfill our hopes and dreams. And He will come in the last days (Anti-Christ).

Who is This?

Matthew 21:12 says that He came into the city the city was moved and cried out – “Who is this?”

Who is this?

Prophet

Matthew 21:11 – “So the multitude said, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.”

The Prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.