Matthew 21:1–11 (ESV)
The Triumphal Entry
21 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately
you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This
took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most
of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the
crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
The timing is a little strange. Today we have the Triumphal Entry and
we just celebrated Easter. Well… this study is not based on real time, but this is where we are. In today’s reading, we see palm branches that are waved and laid on the ground as Jesus entered Jerusalem. A very festive, parade
like entrance and very symbolic for a King. The palms are scriptural and fitting for the entrance into Jerusalem. This year, our church did something that was different and very beautiful. We had Palm Sunday two Sundays ago, and then followed
by Easter. We took the palm leaves and inserted them into the Easter lilly pots where the palm fronds were sticking up in back of the Easter lilies. The palm fronds gave a beautiful background which highlighted the Easter lilies. It really
added to the church. Then, when you think about it… the palms (a sign of a king) and the symbolism of the white Easter lilies! It was beautiful. What I’m focusing on is the contrast of the Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and then…
the resurrection of our Lord on Easter. He is the King of Kings who has set us free from our sins and given us eternal life and heaven itself!
I pray: O
Lord, I am still excited coming off of Holy week and especially Easter. Help me to keep you and your love and grace in my focus. Thank you for everything you have done for me. Amen.