Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Christ: Publicly Entered, As King

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Topical Encyclopedia

The event of Jesus Christ's public entry into Jerusalem, often referred to as the Triumphal Entry, is a significant moment in the New Testament, marking the beginning of the Passion Week. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting its importance in the life and ministry of Jesus.

Biblical Account:

The Triumphal Entry is described in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, and John 12:12-19. Each account provides unique details, but all emphasize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.

In Matthew 21:4-5 , the event is directly linked to prophecy: "This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 'Say to the Daughter of Zion, "See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."'" This prophecy is from Zechariah 9:9, which foretold the coming of a humble king who would bring salvation.

Symbolism and Significance:

The choice of a donkey for Jesus' entry is deeply symbolic. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a donkey was an animal of peace, as opposed to a horse, which was associated with war. By riding a donkey, Jesus signified His peaceful intentions and His role as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

The crowds' reaction further underscores the messianic expectations. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people spread their cloaks on the road and cut branches from the trees, laying them before Him. They shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" and "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 21:9). The term "Hosanna" is a plea for salvation, and "Son of David" is a messianic title, acknowledging Jesus as the rightful heir to David's throne.

Fulfillment of Prophecy:

The Triumphal Entry is a fulfillment of multiple Old Testament prophecies, not only Zechariah 9:9 but also the broader messianic expectations found throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. The acknowledgment of Jesus as King by the people, albeit misunderstood by many as a political liberator, aligns with the prophetic vision of a coming ruler who would establish God's kingdom.

Public Declaration:

This event marks a pivotal public declaration of Jesus' identity. Up until this point, Jesus often instructed His disciples and those He healed to keep His identity as the Messiah private (e.g., Matthew 16:20). However, the Triumphal Entry is a deliberate and public affirmation of His messianic role, setting the stage for the events of Holy Week, including His crucifixion and resurrection.

Reactions and Implications:

The reaction of the religious leaders to the Triumphal Entry was one of alarm and hostility. In Luke 19:39-40 , some Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!" Jesus replied, "I tell you, if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out." This response highlights the inevitability and divine necessity of the proclamation of Jesus as King.

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem is a profound moment that encapsulates the tension between the expectations of the people, the fulfillment of divine prophecy, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 21:9,10
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Entry into Jerusalem.
... The question may arise whether the triumphal entry into Jerusalem was part of Christ's
plan, or ... did it before the eyes of all, most publicly and strikingly ...
/.../section 243 the entry into.htm

Gentiles Seeking Christ.
... procession; they could see him every day as he taught publicly, but Jerusalem was
ringing ... that Philip wanted some one to go with him to Christ shows how ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/gentiles seeking christ.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... the instigators of this hellish work publicly declared that ... conveyed to them in the
words of Christ. ... He warned His disciples of Jerusalem's destruction, giving ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... the instigators of this hellish work publicly declared that ... conveyed to them in the
words of Christ. ... He warned His disciples of Jerusalem's destruction, giving ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of ...
... the Throne of Egypt Joseph's sovereignty was publicly recognized and ... Israel's Temple,
so also we read of Christ that He ... 10:23) and came up to Jerusalem to pay ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 the fact of the.htm

Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom.
... [The Lord publicly noted the ... them, the fires from heaven, and as the unbelief of
the Jews of Christ's day caused the destruction of Jerusalem and the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcv journey to jerusalem ten.htm

A Royal Progress
... that He should present Himself solemnly, publicly, I may ... Then shall the offering
of Jerusalem be pleasant, as in the ... come to us: 'Search me, O Christ, and know ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/a royal progress.htm

Jesus Discussed in Jerusalem.
... feast, then went He also up, not publicly, but as it ... of the Jews""that is, of the
Jerusalem Jews, who ... own conscience a surer guide to the truth about Christ. ...
/.../xvi jesus discussed in jerusalem.htm

Christ's Transfiguration
... decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem," they came ... into a cloud, even though
Jesus Christ himself be ... I do by these presents, publicly constitute and ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christs transfiguration.htm

The Second Day in Passion-Week - the Barren Fig-Tree - the ...
... King, He had entered His City, and publicly claimed authority ... to the Godlike Face
of the Christ, and then ... the welcome at His entrance into Jerusalem - in their ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the second day.htm