Day 1: The Triumphal Entry

Read

And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:28–38

Read also Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; John 12:12–15.

Reflect

This week, as we follow Jesus’ story on the days leading up to His death and resurrection, may we not only view this as a religious tradition or a time for recreation but also a meaningful time of reflection and worship.

The story in this passage is known as Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. All four Gospel writers tell this story. In Luke’s account, we are told that Jesus, upon entering Jerusalem, is welcomed and greeted by a multitude of disciples rejoicing, praising God, and laying down their cloaks on the road as He passed by riding a donkey’s colt. Matthew and Mark tell us that people also spread leafy branches they cut out from trees, while John specifically tells us that people took palm branches as they went out to meet Jesus. Why was there so much celebration and praise?

Matthew and John point to a prophecy from Zechariah 9:9—of a righteous King who will come riding on a donkey’s colt and bring salvation—and how Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem fulfills this. No wonder people rejoiced!

In the story, we find three different groups of people who encountered Jesus, and we will look at what Jesus received from each of these groups:

• First, the disciples were sent to fetch a colt for Jesus’ use upon entering Jerusalem. They obeyed Jesus’ instruction and found everything just as He had said.
• Second, we see the colt owner. We are not told much about him, except for what he gave Jesus—he surrendered his colt and allowed it to be set apart and used for Jesus’ purpose.
• Third, a multitude of people greeted Jesus, rejoicing and praising Him as they laid down their cloaks and raised palm branches. The laying down cloaks and raising palm branches were gestures of praise and acknowledging Him as King.

All three groups of people gave Jesus what they had. They responded to Him with obedience, surrender, and praise. On the other hand, the religious leaders, the Pharisees, missed giving these because they did not recognize who Jesus was as Lord and Messiah. Instead of obeying, surrendering, and praising, they were comparing, competing, and complaining.

May we be like the disciples, the colt owner, and the people, giving Jesus all we have and all He deserves. May we not fall into religiosity and miss Christ. Indeed, Jesus is worthy of all our obedience, surrender, and praise. What is known as Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem was a deliberate part of His journey to the cross, where He laid down His life, poured out His grace and love, and ultimately triumphed over sin and death.In grateful response, may we obey Him, surrender to Him, and give Him the praise due Him—every day and forever.

Respond

• Identify areas in your life where God is asking you to walk in greater obedience to Him. Scripture says that if we love Him, we will obey His commands (John 14:15). With this in mind, take time to repent from any disobedience. Pray that God would stir up in you a greater love for Him, and that you would be able walk in obedience in these areas.
• Just like the colt owner who gave his colt for the Lord’s use, what is something God may be asking you to surrender to Him? In what way can you serve Him today?
• Jesus’ triumphal entry was a journey towards the cross to lay down His life to save mankind. He is worthy of our praise. Today, spend a few minutes talking to God and thanking Him for how He chose to show you grace and lay down His life for you. This week, tell someone about what God has done for you.