The Last WeekSample

THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY!

Easter was always special growing up, but for all the wrong reasons. My mother always got me a new dress and shoes. We didn’t have a lot of money in those days, so I don’t remember Easter baskets filled with candy or egg hunts, but I do remember a purple stuffed bunny my daddy bought me one year! Of course, there was excitement about going to all the church services and hearing all the familiar Easter hymns. I even loved the secular ones they played on the radio,’ Here comes Peter Cotton Tail!’ From the day I gave my heart to the Lord, Easter took on new meaning and what Jesus endured.

Jesus’ first day of his last week on earth began on the 10th of Nisan (Abib), which we celebrate as Palm Sunday. It was his triumphal entrance into Jerusalem. All four gospels give an account of this event in Jesus’ life. Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, and John 12. Jesus wasn’t going on a vacation; He was fulfilling a prophecy and a mission of God!

As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage, (Bethany) on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “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 and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, “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.” Matthew 21:1-5

As you read Chapter 21, you can envision the picture it paints and hear the people’s excitement welcoming this humble king! You can almost hear their voices as they praised Jesus and laid palm branches along the path to welcome Him!

CAN YOU RELATE?

No wonder God told us not to be lukewarm in our walk with Him in Revelation 3:16. Many of the same people who were present on this day denied Him a few days later. Jesus’ entry into the world was in a dingy, dirty stall with animals, but on this day, his entry into His beloved Jerusalem was on the back of a borrowed donkey!