The day after Sabbath, Jesus entered Jerusalem in what we call The Triumphant Entry.
Scholar, Andres Kostenberger, estimates that the first day of the last week of Jesus’ earthly life—what we call Palm Sunday—took place on March 29, 33 AD! [1]
This was the most important week in the life of the most important person who has ever lived.
The events that occurred on Palm Sunday are so important that they are shared in all four gospels (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19 + John 12).
As Jesus + the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them + bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ + he will immediately let you take them.” 4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey — riding on a donkey’s colt.’” 6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey + the colt to him + threw their garments over the colt + he sat on it. —Matthew 21:1-7 NLT
8 Nearly all the people in the crowd threw their garments down on the road, giving him a royal welcome. Others cut branches from the trees + threw them down as a welcome mat. —Matthew 21:8 MSG
9 Jesus was in the center of the procession + the people all around Him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” —Matthew 21:9 NIV/NLT
The crowds were shouting “hosanna,” which is defined as an expression of adoration, praise or joy.
Because Passover was just a few days away, the population of Jerusalem was probably 2-3 times its normal size. Based on the buzz surrounding Lazarus’ miraculous resurrection, the crowds + expectations around Jesus surged as He entered Jerusalem!
It set off a massive celebration!
Today’s Verse: Jesus was in the center of the procession + the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” —Matthew 21:9 NLT
Today’s Prompt: Do you give Jesus a “royal welcome” into your life?
Today’s Gratitude: I am grateful I get to freely express my adoration, praise + joy for Jesus.
Today’s Prayer: Father, I thank You for Jesus + the way He has triumphantly entered my life. Help me to remember His place in my life + to celebrate Him, His love for me + the way He continuously changes my life for the better.
[1] Andreas J. Kostenberger; Taylor, Justin (2014-01-31). The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived (Kindle Locations 413-414). Crossway. Kindle Edition.