The Triumphal Entry
In my last post, I shared prophetic scriptures surrounding the birth of Jesus. I challenged you to pray about who God may want you to disciple. Did you do this? I would love to hear if God put a name on your heart and if you began to disciple someone. Share below, but please do not include the name for the other person’s privacy. If you have not read the last post, you can read it here before reading today’s post, “Proclaiming The Messiah,” about the triumphal entry.
Today we will look at the prophecy and fulfillment of the Triumphal Entry. This is where Jesus arrives in Jerusalem and proclaimed the Messiah. This took place just short of a week before His death.
Prophecy
"Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." ~Zechariah 9:9 NIV
Fulfillment
"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. ~Mark 11:1-11
The Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
Can you imagine the scene? Those in attendance laid their cloaks on the ground like a red carpet being rolled out for royalty. Those that didn’t have cloaks laid down their branches, while others were waving their branches. All of this occurred while the crowds were cheering and chanting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one that comes in the name of the Lord.” Jesus makes His grand triumphal entry, riding down the path they created on a mere donkey that had never been ridden.
Jesus did not come as they imagined. They expected a mighty king that would come to rescue them from the enemies. Instead, He came born in a manger and the son of a lowly carpenter. He befriended sinners, prostitutes, and tax collectors. He was completely not what they expected. And now for his triumphal entry, he rides in on an untamed donkey. Yet even though He was not the one they expected, they still recognized Him at this moment for who He was, “The One who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Are We What Others Expect?
As followers of Jesus, many of us believe we need to portray a certain look. Our families need to look well put together with no discontent. We should look nice, say the right words and most of all have a smile on our face. Right? Why would anyone want to believe what we believe if we don’t have it all together? Wrong!
Be Real
The call on our life is not about the glamour or the perfect image. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that life will be easier because you believe in Jesus. In fact, it says the opposite, “You will have trouble” (2Tim 3:12). God calls us for who we are with faults and all. When we are real, we are relatable.
We are called to be Christ-like. Reading the above scripture, we see Jesus came as He was. He did not dress up for the occasion, nor did He find a well-bred horse. He came humbly, and they still recognized Him as Hosanna.
Challenge
This week’s challenge is simple, but many will find it the hardest. Be who you are and be ok with it. Life is difficult, but through the hardships, we find kinship with others. We can connect on a deeper level when we are honest with ourselves and others. Our struggles bring us together and break down walls allowing us to build each other back up.
When I gave my testimony a few years ago, the one response I got back from those present was, “Thank you for being real.” Over and over, I had people sharing with me that they could relate to me because I was real. I don’t share that to gloat, but to give an example of how we yearn for others to be real with us and to know that we are not alone in our own struggles.
So, this week I urge you to be real. Maybe there is something you are struggling with that could really help someone else. Drop the facade and open up. It will be hard, but God will use your vulnerability to be glorified.
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