The Triumphal Entry

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!”

Today is Palm Sunday—the moment Jesus makes his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Yet, instead of being received as King, Luke emphasizes that Jesus is rejected. Not everyone rejoices at His “Solomon-like” entrance; rather, Jesus is perceived as a threat to both the religious leaders and Rome. Perhaps there are moments in our own lives when we refuse to honor Jesus as King.

In this passage, Jesus instructs his disciples to go into a village, find an unridden colt tied there, and bring it to him. In that culture, dignitaries—and even rabbis—had the right to use property for personal purposes, so this was not an unusual request. The image of Jesus riding on a colt brings to mind Zechariah 9:9 and evokes the royalty of Solomon. Yet Jesus chooses a humble animal, demonstrating that this Messiah embodies service and humility.

In verse thirty-seven, Luke shifts the focus from Jesus to the people—the “multitude of disciples.” The crowd rejoices and praises God, while the Pharisees are irritated by this public display. On this Palm Sunday, the question remains: Who are we in this story? In a polarized world that often vilifies, defames, and maligns those who are different, can we stand with the multitude and proclaim, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”?

For Luke, this is a Heaven-and-Earth-shaking event, and Jesus gets the last word: “If these should keep silent, the stones would cry out.” Our world desperately needs the light and resurrecting power of Jesus Christ. As we celebrate his triumphal arrival in our lives, let us be among those who shout and rejoice in the King who came—and will come again. May we never allow the stones to cry out in our place.

Lord, let me receive you, not reject you. May I not only call you King but be found faithful as your servant. Amen.

KENNETH MCNEIL, DMIN
Director of Ministry Connections
Truett Seminary