The “Triumphal Entry” is recorded in all four of the Gospels. What is the point of this event? Each account quotes Psalm 118 (v25/26), the words proclaimed by the multitude. But Who/who really triumphs?
· Matthew’s account is the “Royal Entry” (Mt. 21:1-11.) Of the Synoptic Gospels (Mt, Mk, Lk) only Matthew quotes Zech. 9:9, Behold your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. There is a similarity of this event and the crowning of Solomon in 1 Ki. 1:32-35. In the common distinctions noted between the Gospels this makes sense: Matthew is writing with the Jews in mind and wants them to acknowledge Jesus as their King.
· Luke’s account is the “mournful entry” (Luke 19:28-40.) It is the same event of praise as far as the crowds are concerned. But in Luke we also see that, as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it. It is clear by the end of the week that Jesus was not crowned King by Israel. Rather, He was rejected and this would result in their judgment, all because they did not know the time of your visitation.
· John’s account is the “instructional entry” (John 12:12-16.) It is the shortest. John doesn’t mention the “intrigue” in finding a donkey but just says, when He had found a donkey He got on it. He does reference Zech. 9:9. The key is v16: John is concerned how the Twelve viewed this event, and says they didn’t understand what was happening. That was the normal situation with “the boys.”
· Mark’s account is the “servant’s entry” (Mark 11:1-11.) He does not refer to Zech. 9:9. We believe his Gospel emphasizes the Servant Jesus as he writes to the Roman crowd. Note v11: … So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve. There were things that Mark might have mentioned that happened, but instead he just says, “due to the late hour Jesus returned to Bethany.” Nothing big happened at that point.
If we want to call it the “Triumphal Entry,” then who triumphed, or who was triumphant? Certainly not Jesus. And those who “mattered,” the Jews, the leadership, they weren’t rejoicing. The people who accompanied Jesus on the journey had seen and heard some marvelous things. They rejoiced! The children rejoiced. But then they went their ways and carried on with their own purposes.
Recently we posted about Josh. 3:4 and the need for Israel to stay behind the Ark because they had not been that way before. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus because we also have not been this way before. BUT HE HAS! Heb. 6:19-20 says, This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus …! Ever since Mark 8 we have been following Jesus, carrying our crosses as He carried His. This event is Jesus going before us. Jesus did not rejoice in the adulation of the crowds. He knew better. In the days to come He endured the cross, despising the shame, and (has) sat down at the right hand of the throne of God to await the time of His throne (Heb. 12:1-2; Ps. 110). Keep your eyes on Christ and you will see …
He did not seek the things of men but only the things of His Father (Mk. 8:31-33).
He was willing to run the race alone (Mk. 9:30-32).
He had no hesitation, only eager willingness to only His Father (Mk. 10:32-34).
In this event we see Jesus doing all these things. There will be a “postponement” we could say. Jesus did not see more than was true as He rode into Jerusalem.
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