The Triumphal Entry, Part One: Matthew 21:1-11
“1) When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2) saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me. 3) And If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” 4) This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5) “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Gentle, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ 6) And the disciples went and did just as Jesus directed the, ”7) and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats.” Matthew 21:1-7
The full text is to long to cover in one post. This is often referred to as the “Triumphant Entry.” The people wanted to make Jesus King over Israel so He could immediately rule from a throne in Jerusalem. They thought the Kingdom of David was being restored.
This imagery did not go unnoticed by Rome. A few chapters later this became part of His conversation with Pilate. (Matthew 27:11) The whole crucifixion was designed for Rome to mock Him and any claim to a throne or being a King. (See Matthew 27:27-31; 37; 42)
So what did this story accomplish?
First, it gave evidence of His Deity. The arrangement of the two disciples to bring the colt of a donkey proved His Omniscience. He described in detail what was going to unfold in securing the colt.
Second, the entry into Jerusalem fulfilled prophecy. This specifically fulfilled Zechariah 9:9. The prophecy speaks of both bringing salvation and the total humility needed to purchase human salvation. He was about to be crucified on a scornful cross. Rome was mocking any claim He made to being Royalty.
Before proceeding with the story in the next post, we must pause and note two factors from the broader commentary of the entire Bible. First, let’s look back.
Even a casual Bible student will see a connection between this story and 1 Kings 1:33; 38-39; 44. When Solomon was ordained King in place of David, part of the ceremony was entering Jerusalem on Davids own mule. The connection to Jesus and His entry into Jerusalem cannot be missed. We could say; “He was mounted on the mule of David.”
Second, let’s look ahead. When the King of King and Lord of Lord returns, He will not be mounted on a humble mule. According to Revelation 19:11-16, Jesus is coming back mounted on a white horse prepared for battle followed by the armies of heaven also mounted on white horses.
This no longer describes an inaugural event. This is the picture of a well established conquering King. He is coming back as a warrior to reclaim His kingdom. Note the text says He will be leading “armies” and not merely an “army.” His glory and might will far surpass any earthy kingdom at any point in human history. How many armies will He lead? That is a mystery.
From our current vantage point in history, King Jesus is no longer mounted on the humble colt of a mule. That was fulfilled 2,000 years ago. His glorious white stallion is well trained and ready for battle. The armies of heaven are eagerly awaiting His command.
The outcome will be radically different from His last entrance into Jerusalem. This time, the false kings and rulers of this world will be humiliated. They will bow knees before Him and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
This brings up a crucial question; “which portrait of Jesus do you relate too?” Do you imagine Him as a humble Nazzarene on a donkeys colt, or do you see Him as the glorified King of Kings and Lord of Lords mounted on the white conquering horse?
A mistake common to many Christians is perceiving and relating to Jesus in His past portrait on the donkey’s colt and not His present glory mounted on His white horse. Your view of Jesus affects the way you live, the way you pray and the way you see the world.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global.
