Jesus’ Entry to Jerusalem

Very shortly after a professional sports team has won a major championship there is usually a parade through the home city, giving the chance for fans to show their support for their favourite team.  This is actually a practice that goes back centuries, to a time when returning armies would march through their nation’s capitol, bringing in tow all of the spoils of war.

In Luke 19:28-44, Jesus enters into Jerusalem and it has all of the appearances of a conquering king coming into his new capitol — people are lining the streets, cheering and shouting his praises.  Everything seems as it should be except for two things: Jesus is riding on colt (or a donkey), and He weeps over Jerusalem instead of shouting out his victory.  Both of these things are out of place and are in stark contrast to everything else going on around Jesus.

Jesus knew that He wasn’t coming to conquer by force, but to submit to those who were already in power.  He also knew that He was coming to offer His life as a sacrifice — He knew that He would soon die.  And so we have this picture of Jesus, riding not on a warhorse but meekly on a donkey, and weeping rather than yelling out in victory.  That victory yell would come five days later when He shouted, “It is finished!”

This Sunday I hope that you can join with us as we look at Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.  In order to prepare for this Sunday I’d encourage you to read through Luke 10-19, looking at Jesus’ ministry leading up to the Triumphal entry.

Pastor Mike