Readings Isaiah 50: 4-9, Psalm 31: 9-16, Mark 14: 1-15: 47
Matthew 21 – The beginning of the last week of Jesus
Introduction:
Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which marks the beginning of the last week of his life, to die on the Cross and rise again on the 3rd day; thus fulfilling what the prophets had announced.
Matthew 21: 1-6: In this verse, Jesus instructs his disciples about preparing for his triumphal entry
WHEN JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES APPROACHED JERUSALEM, JESUS KNEW THE FOLLOWING:
- He was to be arrested, ridiculed, flogged and handed over to the Romans to be sacrificed (Matthew 20:19). However, he had the courage to enter Jerusalem and enter in the most public way possible, without fear and with the power of God firmly placed in his heart.
- He said: “And you will find an donkey tied, and a colt with it.” Jesus would ride on a donkey. (the youngest of these animals). He told his disciples exactly how they would find these animals, and he told them how to do it.
The donkey, in the time of the Bible, was a symbol of Jewish royalty. Riding a donkey showed that Jesus came as a Peaceful and Humble Savior, not as a conqueror on a war horse. - This happened to fulfill what was said by the prophet Zechariah (9: 9-10) and Jesus deliberately worked to fulfill the prophecy.
- The prophecy was related to the promised Messiah or the “prophet, priest (savior), and anointed one,” whose coming the Jews eagerly awaited.
- He came to Jerusalem, as Prince of Peace
- Therefore, for those who have eyes to see, Jesus was not only proclaiming his place as Messiah and fulfillment of scripture, but he was showing it.
- The entrance to Jerusalem has been called “The Triumph of Christ.” Certainly it was the triumph of humility over the pride and greatness of the world; of poverty over opulence; and of meekness and gentleness over anger and malice.
MATTHEW 21: 7-11: JESUS RECEIVES AND ENCOURAGES PRAYER AS MESSIAH
And they put their cloaks on them, spread their cloaks on the road; and others cut branches from the trees and laid a path for him.
- All of this was done to honor Jesus as a great triumphant person, arriving in Jerusalem at Easter.
What did the crowd do to respectfully acknowledge Jesus as Messiah?
The Gospel of John specifies that the crowd used “Palm Branches” (John 12:13).
The palm branches were a symbol of peace, victory and success over their enemies.
The palm branches, provide a carpeted path, like the one that crossed the crowd, using branches and clothes, it was a gesture that was used to honor royalty or the conquerors. By doing so, the crowd welcomed Jesus as their King and Deliverer.
Hosanna to the Son of David !: This was an open Messianic Adoration of Jesus (Hosanna means “Save now!” And it was addressed to kings, as demonstrated by 2 Samuel 14: 4 and 2 Kings 6:26. ). They openly give Jesus the proper titles for a Messiah (Son of David, the one who comes in the name of the Lord).
If you had lived in Jerusalem at that time, what thoughts or feelings would you have had when witnessing the Triumphal Entry of the Savior?
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was moved.
When the wise men came looking for the King of the Jews, All Jerusalem was troubled (Matthew 2: 3).
This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.
Conclusion:
At his triumphal entry, Jesus instructed his disciples on preparing for his triumphal entry.
Jesus, as Messiah, receives and encourages worship.
Today’s application:
Instructions – Preparation
Receive and encourage the Prayer to Him
Amen.
Pastor José Ordóñez.