The entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, often referred to as the Triumphal Entry, is a significant event in the New Testament that fulfills Old Testament prophecies and marks the beginning of the Passion Week. This event is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, and John 12:12-19. It is a moment that underscores Jesus' messianic identity and His role as the promised King of Israel.

Old Testament Prophecies

1. Zechariah 9:9: The prophet Zechariah foretold the manner in which the Messiah would enter Jerusalem: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This prophecy highlights the humility and peace associated with the Messiah's arrival, contrasting with the typical image of a conquering king on a warhorse.

2. Psalm 118:25-26: This psalm is part of the Hallel, sung during major Jewish festivals, and is often associated with messianic expectations. It states, "O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you." The cries of "Hosanna" from the crowd during Jesus' entry echo this psalm, acknowledging Him as the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

New Testament Fulfillment

1. Matthew 21:4-5 : "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."'" Matthew explicitly connects Jesus' actions to the prophecy in Zechariah, emphasizing the fulfillment of Scripture.

2. John 12:14-15 : "Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written: 'Do not be afraid, O daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.'" John's Gospel also highlights the fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy, underscoring the significance of Jesus' choice to ride a donkey.

Symbolism and Significance

The Triumphal Entry is rich in symbolism. The donkey represents peace, contrasting with the horse, which symbolizes war. By choosing a donkey, Jesus signifies His mission as the Prince of Peace, not a political or military leader. The crowd's response, laying down cloaks and palm branches, is a gesture of honor and submission, recognizing Jesus' kingship.

The event also serves as a public declaration of Jesus' messianic identity. The acclamation of the crowd, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Matthew 21:9), acknowledges Jesus as the heir to David's throne, fulfilling the covenantal promises made to David regarding his lineage and the eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Theological Implications

The Triumphal Entry sets the stage for the events of Holy Week, leading to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. It highlights the tension between the expectations of a political Messiah and the reality of Jesus' mission to bring spiritual salvation. The fulfillment of prophecy in this event affirms the divine plan and purpose in Jesus' life and ministry, reinforcing the belief in Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Scriptures.Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on an ass, and on a colt the foal of an ass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
... that he could form no conjecture respecting the person ... his glory; and that the
prophecies were fulfilled ... the Ethiopian eunuch had heard any thing about Christ. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xi the conversion of.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... This concludes the oracular utterances respecting Rome. ... After some other prophecies
we come to the mention of ... a testimony to the divinity of Christ, uttered by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

Extracts No. vi.
... solicitous to have your doubts respecting divine revelation ... depend the validity of
the prophecies, the truth ... is written, and thus it behoveth Christ to suffer ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vi.htm

Footnotes
... The collection of prophecies that goes under his name ... this Life the preceding
particulars respecting the learned ... as is sometimes done, faith in Christ and the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... that are above, then there is a similitude betwixt Christ's resurrection and the ...
out of the kingdom of this dark world, into the kingdom of his dear Son ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

part ii
... and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom ... what the final purpose
is for which Christ came upon earth, for which He gives us His divine Mysteries ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

How can I identify messianic prophecies in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

How many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org

What biblical prophecies were fulfilled in AD 70? | GotQuestions.org

Prophecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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