Christ’s Triumphal Entry in Jerusalem | Lent Devotional Day 40

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
March 29, 2026
Written by Melissa Ross

Christ’s Triumphal Entry in Jerusalem

Scripture:

1 When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave two disciples a task. 2 He said to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter, you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that their master needs them.” He sent them off right away. 4 Now this happened to fulfill what the prophet said, 5 Say to Daughter Zion, “Look, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt the donkey’s offspring.” 6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus had ordered them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them. Then he sat on them.
8 Now a large crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut palm branches off the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 The crowds answered, “It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
(Matthew 21:1-11) 

Reflection:

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem the “parade” was not just joyful and vibrant, it was spontaneous.  The crowd’s impromptu response to Jesus’ arrival is refreshing, since even simple parades require extensive planning and coordination. Crowds of people recognized Jesus as “the Son of David” and used available items, like palm branches and their clothes, to celebrate his arrival as throngs of Jews gathered in Jerusalem and prepared for Passover.  Consider, too, that these crowds had no inkling of the dramatic events that would occur in the next seven days that we remember 2000 years later.

In the midst of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the scriptures weave in a prophecy about a donkey.  All four gospels* include details about a seemingly insignificant prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 that the Messiah will enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey.  When you consider the particulars written, it almost feels like a spoof.  Rather than an impressive horse which most rulers would use, Jesus arrives on a borrowed donkey that had never been ridden.  We even learn that Jesus told the disciples what to say as their alibi for taking the donkey.  *Mt. 21:5, Mk. 11:1-7, Lk. 19:29-35 and John 12:12-15
 
I appreciate the juxtaposition of Jesus’ glorious triumphal entry where mobs of people acknowledge him as he rides in on a borrowed donkey.  Like the infant son of God being born in a farm building and using a feed trough as a crib, or lowly shepherds being told of the savior’s birth by the heavenly host, God’s plans (even for our Messiah, the Christ) are very different from what we may anticipate.  Yes, the Son of God deserves to be received with joy and fanfare, yet he is humble to walk among us and delights in upending our preconceived expectations as he enters this celebration astride a donkey.  

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, fill my heart and countenance with joy as we sing Hosanna and celebrate the advent of Holy Week.  Prepare my heart to reflect meaningfully on the biblical events that we remember during this time.  Help me to carve out time this week to be alone with you and to participate in communal worship.  May I respond to you with gratitude and love. Amen.

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