The Triumphal Entry

Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11

They expected a warhorse. He rode a donkey.

It's the week before Passover. Jesus sends two disciples to find a donkey colt, exactly as the prophet Zechariah foretold: See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey. He rides into Jerusalem while crowds spread cloaks and palm branches on the road, shouting: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! The whole city is stirred: Who is this? The crowds answer: This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth. It looks like a coronation. But Jesus is weeping over the city. If you had only known what would bring you peace, he says. The crowd wants a political liberator. Jesus is offering something else entirely. Within five days, many of these same voices will shout a different word.

• Kingship
• Prophecy Fulfilled
• Misunderstanding
• Sorrow