Title: Last Entry into Jerusalem
Today is the beginning of Passion Week, and it is called Palm Sunday because the Israelites welcome Jesus as He entered Jerusalem, waving palm branches and shouting ‘Hosanna’ (Jhn 12:13). However, Jesus did not receive any of this welcome. Because although He had the appearance of a man, Jesus was God. He is the one who knows everything about the human without listening to them (Jhn 2:25).
Jesus knew that the people who had welcomed him shouting ‘Hosanna’ would turn around and shout ‘Crucify Jesus!’ just a few days later. Also, from Jesus’ perspective, this final entry into Jerusalem was on His way to fulfil the way of service as the Lord of Atonement. So even at this moment when He received the greatest welcome in his life, Jesus could not enjoy such welcome with a happy heart (Matt 20:28).
Then, how should we celebrate Palm Sunday today and welcome Jesus as He enters Jerusalem? I believe that we should come to Jesus bringing all our sins: original sin, ancestral sin, self-committed sins, and ask Jesus to resolve this sin issues for us because Jesus’ last week was a time when He strived to solve human sins and make us repent.
- 7 Entries into Jerusalem
Jesus lived on earth for 33 years & entered Jerusalem 7 times.
- To perform purification 40 days after birth (Luke 2:22)
- To celebrate the Passover (with his parents) (Luke 2:42)
- First Passover of public life (cleaning the temple) (Jhn 2:13)
- On the Feast of the Jews (Jhn 5:1)
- During the Feast of Booths (forgiveness of sins of adulterous women, heading of blind people) (Jhn 7:2; Jhn 7:10; Jhn 8:1-11; Jhn 9:1-9)
- The Feast of Dedication Festival (Cleaning the Temple) (Jhn 10:22-23)
- Palm Sunday, Passover (cleansing of sins) (Matt 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-38)
- Riding on a colt
During the Passover, Jesus came to Bethphage, Bethany, near Jerusalem. It is located about 2km from Jerusalem. So, if you decide to walk, it will take less than an hour. However, Jesus sent his disciples to the village opposite and ordered them to bring a colt donkey (Mark 11:2-3).
Some liberal theologians explain that Jesus must have had already talked to the donkey’s owner and made a deal earlier. Because the human mind cannot understand it: how could He knew there is a colt, how could He know what the owner may say, how could He know the owner will release the donkey colt by saying such reply. However, we must know that this incident shows the divinity of Jesus. Because Jesus already knew about the world and time that he had not yet visited, He sent His disciples to the exact place and told them exactly what to say.
Now, they brought a donkey colt, which was so young that no one had ever ride on it. Jesus, who is over 30 years old, sit on it and the colt wobbles and His feet were dragging on the ground. Why did Jesus choose to do such thing? It is because He wanted to fulfill the scripture. Around 500 B.C., prophet Zechariah prophesied that the Savior would come riding on a colt (Zechariah 9:9).
- Colt is a symbol of humility
Unlike a horse that is meant for a military general, a colt is an animal for farming. Even if Jesus rode on the colt, its height is not tall. This is to show that He has humbled Himself so that anyone can come to Him.
- Colt is symbol of peace
The horse and bow symbolize war and judgment, but the colt symbolizes peace. What kind of peace we are talking about? The peace between God and us (Revelation 19:11; Zechariah 9:10).
I believe that when we believe in Jesus from our hearts today and confess our faith with our mouths, we can enter the world of salvation. Therefore, if you have not confessed it with your heart and lips yet, I ask you to take today as an opportunity and accept and acknowledge Jesus as your Savior. At that time, please believe that there will no longer be war and judgment between God and us, but only peace and joy.
- About the Lord’s Suffering
Jesus will suffer the cross from Palm Sunday. Jesus told His disciples about His suffering in advance during his public ministry for 3 times :-
- After Peter’s confession (Matt 16:21-28; Mark 8:31-38; Luke 9:22-27)
- At the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:44-45)
- Today, on the way to Jerusalem (Matt 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34)
However, even though Jesus told His disciples three times that He would be suffering, the conclusion was that no one received it. So, even though people were waving palm branches, putting their cloaks on the ground, and chanting Hosanna while Jesus was entering into Jerusalem, the reality was that no one understood the word, and no one understood Jesus.
Dear all, what is the greatest gift we can give to Jesus as he enters for the last time? That is, to understand the Word. Only when we realize why He acted like that and why He had no choice but to do so can we truly be grateful and truly confess our love.
Starting tomorrow, you will hear the Word every evening through the Passion Week meeting. Let’s come to the church and listen to the Word as much as possible. If you can’t make it, listen on YouTube. I believe that when we hear the Word like this, we will realize and indirectly experience the path of the cross that Jesus went through. Then, we will truly be able to give Jesus the best gift that is to understand His Word and His heart.
Lastly, let us read Mark 10:32. It was a path of misunderstanding and a miserable path, but our Jesus did not shy away from it. Even though He clearly saw that the people did not understand Him and turning away from Him, Jesus walked on this road ahead of any of us. Therefore, this week, let’s look only at Jesus, who is leading the way. Let go of all your highs and lows and focus only on Jesus. Let us follow His footsteps and make them our cross so that finally, you and I may become the people who express thanksgiving and love from our hearts sincerely to Jesus and walking with Him until the end.
The Lord's Covenant Church Malaysia 