The Triumphant Entry
The Triumphant Entry

The Triumphant Entry

Scripture Reference

Matthew 21:1-9

Date
29/03/2026
Writer

Rev Errol Stone

Snippet

“…it was a joyous occasion…”

Reading Time

~4 min read

The triumphant entry of Jesus Christ or the Messianic arrival into Jerusalem was a joyful occasion and occurred on the Sunday prior to the crucifixion. This was the first day of the Passion Week (week of suffering). “Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass” (Matthew 21:5). It is the fulfilment of prophecy in the Old Testament of the King unto whom salvation belongs. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (Zechariah 9:9). The beginning of the Passion Week of Jesus Christ was the commencement of the final week of His ministerial days on earth. The culmination of the week also saw the fulfilment of the first Gospel message recorded in Scripture in Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

The Significance Of The Triumphant Entry Of Christ

The joyous entry of Jesus Christ the Messiah is recorded in Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19. The people rejoiced and “took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13). As Jesus Christ presented Himself, the people joyously shouted “Hosanna,” which means “Save us, we pray thee” (Matthew 21:9, 15; Mark 11:9-10; John 12:13).

To all those who trusted Jesus as the Messiah, it was a joyous occasion. They were not troubled by the hatred and ridicule of the Jewish leaders. The true believers of the Lord were not at all intimidated by the angry words of His enemies. Even children thoroughly rejoiced to sing Hosanna unto the Lord. Let the world rage in anger and speak threatening and ridiculing words. His people shall always rejoice to sing His praise. To His people, He is their “Blessed King of Israel,” no matter how the world would view Him.

The Significance Of The Colt (Matthew 21:2-7)

Jesus Christ gave instructions to two of His disciples to go into the village to a specific place and find a donkey and its colt tied, this was the fulfilment of prophecy. The colt, which none had ridden before, had been prepared for the King Himself. “And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them” (Matthew 21:3). The disciples loosed the unbroken colt and brought it to Jesus Christ and the stubborn will of the unbroken colt submitted to Jesus Christ. This was the fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Jesus Christ thus presented Himself publicly and officially as the promised Messiah.

The Messianic arrival was five days before His cruel death. The Passover occurred on the fourteenth day of the month, and this was the tenth day, on which the law appointed that the paschal lamb should be taken up (Exodus 12:3), and set apart for that service. On that day, Jesus Christ our Passover, who was to be sacrificed for us, was publicly displayed. Yet again, our Lord has fulfilled the prophecies and types of the Old Testament that pointed to Him. He is truly God’s Messiah for our redemption.

The Significance Of The Crowd (Matthew 21:8-11)

The joy of the people was publicly expressed as the people greatly rejoiced when the King of Israel rode into Jerusalem. In their joy, they greeted Him by placing garments and palm leaves on the paving, being an ancient honour for a King. Shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest” (Matthew 21:9). The meaning of the Hebrew word “Hosanna” means “Save me now,” or “Please save” (cf. 2 Samuel 14:4; Psalm 118:25).

The Pharisees were troubled by the people calling out “King”. They were concerned that the Romans would construe it to be a revolt against their government. They were expecting a King who would lead them in a military manner and deliver them from the Roman rule, but the word of God says, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). By both His active obedience (fulfilment of miracles to authenticate His ministry) and passive obedience (humiliation in going to the Cross of shame), comes salvation through His righteousness.

The joy of the people quickly turned to jeers when they realized that Jesus Christ was not going to save them from Roman bondage. They failed to understand His triumph in life, obtaining righteousness for His people through His subsequent death and resurrection, redeeming them from sin. His entrance was to save them from spiritual bondage and in God’s time, they would be saved from the bondage of Rome. Realising that Christ was not going to save them from Rome, their “Hosannas” on the triumphal Sunday turned to “Crucify Him, crucify Him,” on the murderous Friday. Would you also change your attitude towards Christ with changing circumstances and experiences?

[Rev Errol Stone, Bible Witness: Meditations on the Passion Week]

STANDALONE
The Triumphant Entry
The Triumphant Entry

Matthew 21:1-9