The Triumphal Entry

The triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem took place on Sunday before the Passover, which fell on Friday in A.D. 31 Jesus had arrived in Bethany, about 2 mi. from Jerusalem, the preceding Friday, and had rested there over the Sabbath. All four gospel writers record the Triumphal Entry. The account of the Triumphal Entry is given in its simplest form in John, and is related at greatest length by Luke. The details given by the four evangelists vary from writer to writer, indicating separate accounts, yet the accounts are not contradictory but rather complementary.

Preparations for the Triumphal Entry began, apparently, late in the morning, for it was about the time of the evening sacrifice, approximately 3:00 P.M., that Jesus reached the brow of Olivet overlooking Jerusalem and that events reached a climax. It was much later than that when He finally reached the Temple. Whereas in the past Jesus has taken every precaution against any popular demonstration acknowledging Him as the Messiah, He now not only encourages this very thing but takes the initiative in bringing it about.

To be sure, the disciples and many of the people no doubt expected Jesus to set up His kingdom at this paschal season. Any surprise the disciples may have experienced arose from the fact that Jesus now apparently reversed His former attitude toward publicity. This changed attitude must have filled the disciples with unwarranted enthusiasm and hope. They failed to understand the true significance of the event until after the resurrection.

Jesus was following the custom of a royal entry into the city, as in the days of old. His hour had come, and for the first time He presented Himself to Israel as her rightful King, the One who was to sit upon the throne of David. Jesus later acknowledged the title "King of the Jews" (Luke 23:3 John 18:33, 34, 37), but hastened to add, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). But the Jewish leaders refused to accept Him as their King.

Jesus was not now appearing in His role as King of the kingdom of glory (see Matt. 25:31), but as King of the spiritual kingdom of divine grace. Jesus knew that this episode in His life mission would inevitably lead to the cross, yet went through with it steadfastly and purposefully. It was necessary that the eyes of all men be turned toward Him in the closing days of His life, that all might understand, if they would, the significance of His mission to earth.