What City Did Jesus Enter On Palm Sunday

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

Matthew 21-22, Mark 11-12, Luke 19-20, and John 12 are examples of passages from the Bible.

Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the peoplespread their coats in front of Him and greeted Him with palm branches.

It was a sunny Sunday around the year 30 A.D., and it was a beautiful day. It was a bustling scene in the holy city of Jerusalem as pilgrims descended on the city for the annual Passover festival. Jesus had been wandering through the cities and villages of Palestine for several months when he was arrested. He traveled around the world, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God and healing the sick. It was now time for Him to assert His right to be known as the Messiah – the Savior whom God had promised to the Jewish people thousands of years before.

  1. During the course of their journey to Jerusalem, Jesus informed His followers that He would shortly be executed and that He would rise from the dead three days later.
  2. Jesus came into Jerusalem on a donkey, according to tradition.
  3. Some others brandished palm tree branches as a victory sign, while others sang.
  4. In 2 Kings 9:13, it is stated that only a king would be received in this manner, and the people want Jesus to be their king.
  5. A great political and military leader, they believed, would come to rescue them from the oppression of the Roman Empire, and that was exactly what they got.
  6. It is a spiritual kingdom that is currently forming in the hearts of those who place their confidence and trust in God and his promises.

Cleansing the Temple

Jesus drove the merchants and moneychangers out of the temple.

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, He proceeded to the temple, where he was dissatisfied with what He saw. What used to be the holiest of sites had been transformed into a bazaar. Animals were being sold by merchants for use as temple sacrifices. Money changers were on hand to exchange the pilgrims’ cash for unique coins that were only used in the temple. Many of these individuals were defrauding the pilgrims who had traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. The seats of the merchants and the tables of the money changers were thrown over, scattering their cash, as Jesus did this.

He fashioned a whip out of some cords and used it to chase the animals away.

Teaching and Healing

Every day, Jesus went to the temple to pray. His healing ministry extended to others who were blind, handicapped, and ill, and He cured them all. He used tales and parables to help people better comprehend God’s kingdom and God’s love for all people, and he was known for doing so. The large masses of people who had gathered to hear Him were mesmerized. A scholar of Jewish law approached Jesus and inquired as to which of God’s commandments was the most significant. ‘Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your mind,’ Jesus said.’ This is the very first and most important commandment.

Everything Jesus taught us is built on the foundation of faith in God and Christian love (kindness and respect) for one another and for all people. These are the kinds of things that are truly essential in one’s lifetime.

Conflict with the Chief Priests and Elders

The chief priests and elders of thetemple challenged Jesus’ authority.

Not everyone was pleased with Jesus’ decision to speak at the temple on a daily basis. Anger and dissatisfaction reigned among the temple’s leading priests and elders. The chief priests had granted permission for merchants and money changers to operate in the temple’s outer courtyard, but Jesus had ordered them out of the building. Because of the vast number of people who followed Jesus, they were concerned about a crackdown by Roman authorities. And, what’s worse, the people were placing all of their hopes and confidence in Jesus.

  1. These temple authorities devised a strategy to catch Jesus in the act of speaking his own words.
  2. Jesus refused to answer their questions.
  3. In the event that He did not assert divine authority, people may conclude that He was simply a lunatic.
  4. However, instead of responding to the question, He posed another: “Did the baptism of John originate from heaven?” The temple officials understood that they had fallen into a trap as well.
  5. As a result, they declined to respond.
  6. The temple leaders, on the other hand, became even more enraged and began plotting to assassinate Jesus.

Lessons

For the Jews, Jerusalem was the holiest city on the face of the earth. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, he fulfilled a prophesy from the Old Testament (Zechariah 9:9–10) and left little mistake that He was adopting the title of Messiah. The large masses of people who had gathered in Jerusalem for Passover flocked to Jesus and praised him. However, there was a bitter struggle between Jesus and the religious authorities of Jerusalem. They were at odds on themes like as prayer, sanctity, life after death, and the payment of taxes to the Roman government.

Jesus was killed less than a week after arriving in Jerusalem as a result of these disagreements.

He spoke about His second coming and the kingdom of God, and he presented parables about it.

Questions

It is customary to commemorate Jesus’ triumphant arrival into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, on the Sunday before Easter.

While riding into Jerusalem, Jesus got a warm welcome from the pilgrims, which some churches commemorate by decorating with palm branches and distributing palm branches.

Why Did Jesus Preach and Work His Miracles Among the Jews?

Hebrews, Israelites, and Jews are all terms used to refer to the people who were chosen by God. God intended for redemption to be brought to the Jews first, and then via the Jews, to the rest of the world as a whole. As a Jew, Jesus was born and raised, and he stayed devoted to Judaism (the Jewish religion) throughout His earthly ministry. The majority of his labor and preaching was done among the Jews of Palestine, which is now known as the State of Israel. Christianity originated as a minor sect of Judaism that spread over the world.

It is important to note that God has not renounced His covenant with the Jews (Romans 11:25-29), but that His redemption is now offered to all people everywhere.

What DoesMessiahMean?

Messiah is derived from a Hebrew phrase that literally means “the anointed one.” Oil was used to anoint significant persons in the Old Testament, such as kings and priests, as a symbol of their position. For hundreds of years, the Jews had hoped that God would send them a particular monarch to rule over them (Daniel 9:25-26, Isaiah 7:14-17, 11:1-9,Micah 5:2). Because the people were expecting their Messiah to be a military and political leader rather than a spiritual leader, Jesus resisted taking the title Messiah until the very end.

The Bible Story of the First Palm Sunday

The tale of Palm Sunday is brought to life in the Bible in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19, among other places. The Triumphal Entry ofJesusChrist into Jerusalem represents the culmination of his earthly mission and the beginning of his reign as King. It is the Lord who enters the city, well aware that this journey would culminate in his death as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

Question for Reflection

After following Jesus on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the people failed to perceive him for who he actually was, instead placing their own selfish demands on him. Who is Jesus in your eyes? Is he simply someone to fulfill your selfish desires and aspirations, or is he your Lord and Master, who devoted his life in order to redeem you from your sins and bring you back to God?

Palm Sunday Story Summary

On his trip to Jerusalem, Jesus dispatched two disciples to the town of Bethphage, which was about a mile away from the city at the foot of the Mount of Olives and about a mile away from the city. He instructed them to hunt for a donkey that was tied to a home and had an unbroken colt beside it. The disciples were directed to inform the animal’s owners that “the Lord requires it.” Jesus said, “The Lord requires it.” (Luke 19:31, English Standard Version) The men tracked down the donkey and brought it and its foal to Jesus, where they draped their cloaks over the colt’s shoulders.

  • People tossed their cloaks on the ground and placed palm branches in the pathway in front of him as he made his way.
  • Passover throngs gathered Jesus, chanting “Hosanna to the Son of David!
  • “Hosanna to the highest degree!” (Matthew 21:9, English Standard Version) Within minutes of that moment, the ruckus had spread over the whole city.
  • Without a doubt, they were disseminating information about that incredible miracle.
  • “Yes,” Jesus said, “have you never read the verse, “‘From the mouths of children and babies you, Lord, have brought up your praise’?” he inquired.

When I asked him why the stones were silent, he said, “I told you, the very stones would scream.” (Luke 19:39-40, English Standard Version) Immediately following this beautiful period of celebration, Jesus Christ embarked on his final trip to the cross.

Life Lesson

In the eyes of the people of Jerusalem, Jesus was an earthly king who would bring down the tyrannical Roman Empire. Their understanding of him was constrained by their own limiting and materialistic requirements. In their ignorance, they overlooked the fact that Jesus had come to win over a far bigger adversary than Rome—an adversary whose defeat would have ramifications that would extend far beyond this life. Jesus came to earth in order to defeat Satan, the adversary of our souls. He came in order to overthrow the forces of sin and death.

Points of Interest

  • It was at this point that Jesus addressed himself as “The Lord,” a clear statement of his divinity. When he instructed the disciples to get the donkey, Jesus addressed himself as “The Lord,” a clear proclamation of his deity. By riding into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey, Jesus fulfilled an old prophesy found in Zechariah 9:9: “The Lord will ride into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey.” “O daughter of Zion, you should be overjoyed! O daughter of Jerusalem, let your voice be heard! Behold, your king is on his way to you
  • He is just and has redemption
  • He is lowly and riding on the back of a donkey, on the colt of a donkey, the foal of a donkey.” (ESV) This was the only time Jesus rode a horse in the four Gospel books, and it was a significant moment. Through his use of a donkey, Jesus demonstrated the type of Messiah he was—not a political hero, but a compassionate, humble servant. Tossing cloaks in the way of someone was considered an act of reverence and submission, and it functioned as a kind of acknowledgement of royalty, coupled with the throwing of palm branches in the road of someone. The people recognized Jesus as the anticipated Messiah
  • The screams of ‘Hosanna’ originated from Psalm 118:25-26, which was the source of the people’s recognition. Hosanna is a Hebrew word that meaning “save now.” However, despite what Jesus had predicted about his mission, the people were seeking for a military Messiah who would overturn the Roman government and restore Israel’s freedom.

Sources

  • A few examples include: T. Alton Bryant’s New Compact Bible Dictionary
  • The New Bible Commentary, edited by G.J. Wenham, J.A. Motyer, D.A. Carson, and R.T. France
  • The ESV Study Bible, published by Crossway Bible
  • And the ESV Study Bible, published by Crossway Bible.

8 Things Most Christians Don’t Understand about Jesus’ Triumphal Entry

Yes, Balaam’s donkey does in fact warn the prophet of His violation to the law. According to the book of Numbers 22, “. The Lord unlocked the donkey’s lips, and the donkey answered to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you that you have hit me these three times?'” ‘You have made a fool of yourself,’ Balaam said to the donkey. If I only had a sword in my hand, I would be able to put you to death right now.’ In response, the donkey inquired, ‘Am I not your own donkey, on which you have always ridden, even to this day?’ Is this something I’ve been doing to you on a regular basis?’ ‘No,’ he responded.

  • As a result, he bent low and fell on the ground facedown.
  • Judges 15:15 is an example of a formalized formalized formalized formalized (Judges 15:15).
  • The donkey was not devoured by the lion.
  • Using a donkey, King Jehu traveled towards Samaria, which was a type of fake Jerusalem, in order to demolish the temple dedicated to the false deity Baal (2 Kings 9:11-10:28).
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8. Jesus demonstrated that he was the burden-bearer who came to save us.

Baby Jesus was born in the most humble of circumstances. Remember that a donkey transported a pregnant Mary, a poor woman from Nazareth, all the way to Bethlehem in the first century. (See Luke 2:4-7.) This noble beast of burden was responsible for transporting the Savior of the World. The image of Mary’s donkey was used by Jesus to establish a connection with the common people. He was on his way to get them. During his time on this planet, Jesus showed compassion for the poor, the weak, and the oppressed.

He went to him and bandaged his wounds with oil and wine, then left him to rest.

Then he loaded the man onto his own donkey and transported him to an inn, where he was cared for.” The Bible is a treasure trove of symbolism. This year, take pleasure in the triumphant entry in a more profound way. Sources:

  • Haggai and Zechariah NIV Application Commentary by Mark Boda and Kristin M. Swenson, Ph.D.
  • Lessons from a Donkey by Alan Rudnick, Baylor University
  • Haggai and Zechariah NIV Application Commentary by Mark Boda and Kristin M. Swenson, Ph.D.

Why Did Jesus Go To Jerusalem? A Holy Week Reflection

These are the questions I’ve posed in light of the historical truth – yes, historical fact – that Pilate killed Jesus during the Passover celebration. Is it possible that Jesus went to Jerusalem in order to be crucified? If he did, why did it take him so many days to fulfill his request, given the tinderbox environment of Passover? Jesus traveled to Jerusalem to stage two simultaneous protests: first, against Roman imperial rule over the City of Peace, and second, against Roman imperial power over the Temple of God, according to my interpretation.

By the way, it is not essential to condemn either of those two individuals – despite the fact that they represented really poor management – in this case.

Whatever the case, why hadn’t Jesus been assassinated by the time of (our) Palm Sunday evening?

There are several explanations for this.

Keep in mind that on (our) Sunday (11:8), Monday (11:18), and Tuesday (11:32; 12:12,37) of Holy Week, Mark’s gospel stresses that protective “crowd.” Other reasons include the fact that each and every night, Jesus departed from Jerusalem and went to Bethany, where he could be protected by his friends and followers away from the city and near the Mount of Olives.

  • Bethany served as Jesus’ safe staging place.
  • And he was on the verge of making it – until (our) Thursday.
  • Pilate dispatched more troops from his garrison at Caesarea on the coast to Jerusalem for the purpose of providing security and crowd control during Passover.
  • Those events are recounted in Matthew 21:1-11, and their significance is explained by a statement from the prophet Zechariah, which contrasts Macedonia’s Alexander with Israel’s Messiah.
  • Yes, there is peace on earth, but it is not peace brought about by Rome’s brutal victory, but rather peace brought about by God’s nonviolent justice.
  • In this case, it was an action that was made clear by a prophetic word, which was in turn made clear by an action-parable.
  • In addition, it was also known as the House of Rome, as shown by the imperial supervision of the high priest’s holy garments and the enormous golden eagle that guarded it from the Upper City’s western gate.

It was a quote from the prophet Jeremiah that served as an accompaniment to Jesus’ personal demonstration against Roman authority over God’s House.

According to Jeremiah, if the situation persisted, God would destroy the Temple itself (7:1-15).

As with Jesus’ action-parable against the Temple, God’s threat in Jeremiah 7 is fulfilled, just as Jesus’ action-parable against the City had been fulfilled by God’s promise in Zechariah 9.

And, once again, he was able to get away with it because of the protective screen provided by “the entire audience” (Mark 11:18).

However, by (our) Thursday evening, they had established a way to intercept Jesus as he traveled “over the Kidron Valley” from Jerusalem to Bethany every evening, whether or not Judas was present at the time (John 18:1).

In addition, do not mistake Jesus’ enormous protective “crowd” with the little “crowd” (six or seven partisans?) who appeared before Pilate to demand that Barabbas be released from jail rather than Jesus himself (Mark 15:6-8).

The wisest advise Pilate received on that day – our Good Friday – came from his wife, according to Matthew’s parabolic aside: “Don’t have anything whatsoever to do with that innocent man” (27:19).

Pilate, on the other hand, is said to have answered, “What occurs in Jerusalem remains in Jerusalem.” (Image courtesy of Art Resource)

Palm Sunday: Triumphal Entry – “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13) • EFCA

12:12-19 (John 12:12-19) The next day, the great audience that had gathered for the feast was informed that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. So they gathered palm branches and marched out to meet him, yelling, “We want to see you!” “Greetings, Hosanna! Who comes in the name of the Lord, whether it is the King of Israel or not, is to be blessed!” Afterward, Jesus mounted a young donkey and sat upon it in accordance with the Scriptures: “Be of good cheer, daughter of Zion: see, your king is approaching, sitting upon a donkey’s colt!” His followers were first perplexed by these events, but after Jesus was exalted, they realized that these things had been written about him and had been done to him in the past.

After Lazarus was summoned out of the tomb and resurrected from the dead, the throng that had gathered around Jesus proceeded to bear testimony to what had taken place.

As a result, the Pharisees whispered to one another, “You can see that you are earning nothing by participating.

Introduction

Many have read and retold the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-11; Mk. 11:1-10; Lk. 19:29-44; Jn. 12:12-19), also known as Palm Sunday (Matt. 21:1-11; Mk. 11:1-10; Lk. 19:29-44; Jn. 12:12-19). Immediately before approaching Jerusalem, Jesus looks around the city and weeps (Lk. 19:41-44). Once there, Jesus goes to the temple (Matt. 21:12-17; Mk. 11:11; Lk. 19:45-46) and predicts his death (Matt. 21:12-17; Mk. 11:11; Lk. 19:45-46) (Jn. 12:20-36).

Historical and Contextual Setting

This historical and cultural backdrop will be useful for us to consider as we read this passage and consider the events of today’s first day of the Jewish week, as well as the events of Jesus’ final week on earth leading up to his crucifixion. The Jewish celebrations are taking place in front of a large gathering of Galilean pilgrims. They strewn their cloaks on the ground, and Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey with his disciples. Jerusalem was an exciting location to be during the Jewish holidays, particularly around Passover.

  • Those attending the event were filled with excitement, and the entire city was buzzing with activity.
  • They were apprehensive about having so many Jews in one spot.
  • The Romans were extremely watchful and alert because they wanted to maintain control over the people and festivals.
  • Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.
  • This was extremely significant for the Jews.
  • Through these occurrences, which confirmed Old Testament prophetic prophecies, the message was sent that the Messianic monarch had arrived in Jerusalem, which was God’s holiest of cities.
  • They were looking forward to a Messiah who would serve as a national deliverer and restore the Davidic kingdom to its former glory.
  • As they cleared the way for him to enter Jerusalem as the Davidic monarch, the people kept this in mind as they greeted and welcomed him.

The Romans wished to keep everything under control in order to prevent things from getting out of hand. The Jewish rulers were also concerned because they did not want to offend the Roman authority by their actions. In this moment, the disciples were in the midst of an intense and chaotic situation.

Biblical Context

This part of John’s Gospel is devoted to the feast of unleavened bread, which culminates in the celebration of the Passover. In this part, John opens with the following statement: “Six days before the Passover, Jesus, as a result, went to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had resurrected from the grave” (12:1). Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with oil when he was at Bethany (12:3). Other Gospel writers also mention that Jesus’ head was anointed, implying that there was enough oil to anoint both Jesus’ head and feet at the same time (Matt.

14:3).

According to Judas, it was a complete waste of time.

Large crowds flocked to see Jesus and Lazarus, whom Jesus had resurrected from the dead, and to hear their message (12:9).

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry

When a large group of people who had gathered for the feast of unleavened bread (12:12), which was linked with the Passover (12:1), learned that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, they flocked to him (12:12; cf. 12:9). It was an exciting scene as the delighted throng gathered palm branches and spread them out on the road where Jesus came into town on a donkey (12:13). It was as they walked out to meet Jesus with the palm branches that they thought back to the words contained in the Old Testament Scriptures.

  1. “By waving palm branches (a Jewish national sign), the crowds acclaim Jesus as the Davidic monarch and imitate the wording of Psalm 118:25-26, expecting that Jesus is the prophesied Messiah,” writes one writer.
  2. It continues to be so to this day.
  3. “Rabbi, you are the Son of God!” Nathanael proclaims about Jesus at the beginning of this Gospel, which John records.
  4. During his entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus brings to fruition another prophesy recorded by Zechariah (9:9) that identifies the one riding on a donkey as the future ruler of Israel.
  5. “Jesus is represented as the lowly shepherd-king of Zech.
  6. According to an early messianic prophesy, a ruler from the tribe of Judah will ride into the world on a donkey and compel the submission of the nations (Gen.
  7. ” These facts were not understood by Jesus’ followers until after he had been exalted on the cross (Jn.
  8. 7:39) At that point, the Spirit brought these things to their attention (cf.
  9. 16:13) and provided them with “eyes to see” and “ears to hear” in order for them to comprehend.
  10. The mob that had gathered around him after he resurrected Lazarus from the dead continued to accompany him on his journey.
  11. It was because of this omen that the people felt a strong desire to meet Jesus.

He was going to be seen by the “whole world” (12:19; see also 12:10), which was a little of exaggeration to reinforce their rationale and commitment to murder him. Later, Jesus speaks of his imminent death, his “hour,” during which he and the Father would be “glorified” (Jn. 12:23; 17:1).

Conclusion

The “hour” is associated with the climax of Jesus’ earthly career, which is the cross. The cross is both the site where Christ feels the depths of sin and the beginning of his exaltation via resurrection and glorification, and it is the place where Christ experiences both. It’s vital to highlight John’s shift from one role to another. In situations where Jesus was asked to perform certain tasks, He made it plain that “the hour had not yet arrived” (Jn. 2:4; 7:30; 8:20). However, Jesus’ last journey to the crucifixion marks a turning point in his life, and John recounts Jesus as stating, “The hour has arrived for the Son of Man to be exalted” (Jn.

12:27(2x); 13:1; 17:1), indicating that he has completed his transition.

To begin his prayer as a High Priest, Jesus prays, “Father, the hour has arrived; honor your Son so that the Son may glorify you” (Jn.

Response

Throughout this week, we will recall Jesus’ blameless life, his perfect substitutionary death, and his triumphant resurrection and ascension, which are all historical and doctrinal facts. And more than that, they are realities in which we do not just believe and affirm, but which we have also personally experienced and which have changed our lives. At the end of the day, this results in adoration of the Lord Jesus. “My Lord and my God,” we say aloud, just as Thomas did (Jn. 20:28). May our attention this week on the Lord Jesus Christ lead to worshiping him and proclaiming this fact, as we put our faith in him to work in the lives of others “to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

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What is the significance of the triumphal/triumphant entry?

QuestionAnswer Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Jesus’ crucifixion, is known as the triumphant entry because it marks the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem on that day (John 12:1, 12). In the life of Jesus, the tale of the triumphant entry is one of the rare instances in which the same event is recounted in all four Gospel versions (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19). The triumphant entry, when the four versions are taken together, becomes obvious that it had significance not just for the people of Jesus’ day, but also for Christians throughout history.

  1. It was on that day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a borrowed donkey’s colt, which had never been saddled before.
  2. As He rode to the temple, the people applauded and exalted Him as the “King who comes in the name of the Lord,” and He taught and cured them while driving out the money-changers and merchants who had turned His Father’s home into a “den of thieves” (Mark 11:17).
  3. According to Matthew, the King’s arrival on the back of a donkey’s foal was a perfect fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, which reads, “Rejoice loudly, O Daughter of Zion!
  4. Your king comes to you, righteous and blessed with salvation.
  5. Jerusalem, the royal city, is open to Him, and he ascends to His palace, which is not a temporal palace but a spiritual palace, which is the temple, for His kingdom is a spiritual kingdom.
  6. He gets the respect and adoration of the people because He is the only one who is deserving of it.
  7. Cloaks were strewn as a form of honor to the king and his court (see 2 Kings 9:13).

Unfortunately, the people’s adoration for Jesus did not come as a result of their recognition of Him as their personal Savior from sin.

Many people, including those who did not trust in Christ as Savior, believed that He would be a great temporal deliverer for them, even if they did not believe in Christ as Savior.

Nevertheless, when He fell short of their expectations, when He declined to lead them in a general insurrection against the Roman oppressors, the people rapidly turned against Him.

He will eventually be rejected and abandoned by those who had praised Him as a hero.

In this myth, the King rides in on a donkey, not a majestic stallion, and does not appear in regal garb, but rather in the garments of the poor and the humble.

His is not a kingdom of troops and magnificence, but rather a kingdom of humility and service.

His message is one of peace with God, not one of temporal peace, as is commonly understood.

Those same characteristics are demonstrated by us as His disciples, and the world witnesses the genuine King ruling and reigning in victory through us. Questions regarding Jesus Christ (return to top of page) What exactly is the significance of the triumphant arrival into the building?

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Palm Sunday, and Why the ‘Date’ Is So Significant

I reveal the end from the beginning, from the beginning of time, and what is yet to be revealed. — Isaiah 46:10, New International Version As a youngster, I was completely unaware of the significance of Palm Sunday. I believe it is also lost on the majority of Christian adults. On Palm Sunday, my earliest recollections are of sitting quietly in Sunday school with my companions, holding palm fronds in our hands. When the signal was given, we raised our arms in the air and sang “Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!” to the accompaniment of a somewhat off-key piano.

That is, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I began to understand the significance of what occurred on that date and why it is so significant for followers of Jesus.

Six days before Passover

As a result, six days before the Passover, Jesus traveled to Bethany, where Lazarus was recuperating after being resurrected from the dead by Jesus. As a result, they hosted a dinner for him there. Martha was the one who served, and Lazarus was one of the others who sat with him at the meal. When the big gathering of Jews discovered that Jesus was present, they flocked to him, not only to see him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the grave. The next day, the great audience that had gathered for the feast was informed that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.

He ate a supper with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus while he was there.

However, it is the first three lines of verse 12 that I want to draw your attention to: “The next day.” The next day, the great audience that had gathered for the feast was informed that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.

(Emphasis added) Allow me to take you back 3,500 years to the period of the Exodus so that you may better grasp their importance.

A lamb, without blemish

When Israel was nearing the end of its 400-year enslavement in Egypt, God gave the country some very precise instructions: Inform the whole Israeli community that on the tenth day of this month, each man is responsible for bringing a lamb for his family, one for each home. Your lamb should be free of blemishes, a male of one year of age. Take good care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all of the members of the Israeli community must slay them at dusk on the fourteenth.

The families were instructed to pick a one-year-old lamb “without blemish” (i.e., without a defect),2bring it into their home, and care for it for five days.

On Nisan 14, A History of the Mishnaic Law of Appointed Times, Part Two: Erubin, 8220; Pesahim:Translation and Explanation, 8221; In Exodus 12:21–23, they were to slay it right before dusk and apply its blood to the lintel and doorposts of their dwelling (see also Lev 23:5, Num 9:2–5, 28:16, and Josh 5:10–11).

The Lord would “pass over” every home he came across with the blood of the lamb that night: “On that same night, I will travel through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt.” I am the LORD your God.

A History of the Mishnaic Law of Appointed Times, Part Two: Erubin, 8220; Pesahim:Translation and Explanation, 8221; 9:5b, (Wipfamp; Stock), 2007.

Since then, Passover has served as a watershed moment in the history of Judaism. Every year, on Nisan 15, which corresponds to March or April on our Gregorian calendars, it is commemorated. Consider returning to the scenario in John 12 and making some connections between the events.

Gentle and riding and on a donkey

Jesus arrives in Bethany on Nisan 9, just six days before Passover (Nisan 15 minus 6 days). 6 “The next day” would have been Nisan 10, which was also the “day” on which the Israelites were to bring “lambs without blemish” into their houses, according to the Torah. On the 10th of Nisan, some 1,500 years after the first Passover in Egypt, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, according to tradition. His arrival in Jerusalem for Passover was heralded by palm branches and cries of “Hosanna!” (Save now!) Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even Israel’s King!

  1. Matthew 21:8 provides further information: Many people spread their cloaks across the road, and others chopped branches from nearby trees and put them on the road as well.
  2. Bridge-Logos published The New Manners and Customs of the Bible in 1998.
  3. There were two things going on at the same time, but they only saw one: Jesus fulfilling Zechariah’s promise, which stated: “Your king comes to you, mild and riding on a donkey.” Verse 5 is also relevant.
  4. At the time that Jesus came through the city’s gates, the people were publicly praising him as their Savior and King (though in the sense of relieving Israel from Roman oppression).
  5. As the events of his final week unfolded, the stage was prepared for his agonizing death on the cross and resurrection from the dead.
  6. A History of the Mishnaic Law of Appointed Times, Part Two: Erubin, 8220; Pesahim:Translation and Explanation, 8221; 9:5b, (Wipfamp; Stock), 2007.

So what does Palm Sunday celebrate?

Jesus arrives in Bethany on Nisan 9, six days before Passover (Nisan 15 minus 6 days). 6 According to the Hebrew calendar, “the next day” would have been Nisan 10—the same “day” on which the Israelites were instructed to bring “lambs without blemish” into their houses. A donkey carried Jesus into Jerusalem on Nisan 10, over 1,500 years after the first Passover in Egypt. The people who had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover greeted him with palm branches and chanted, “Hosanna! (Save now!) Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” (12:13; Psalm 118:19–27; from John 12:13).

  1. Note that Mark 11:7–8 is also applicable.
  2. Abridged edition of The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Bridge-Logos), published in 1998.
  3. The disciples could only see one of two things that were taking place: Jesus fulfilling Zechariah’s promise, which reads, “Your king comes to you, mild and riding on a donkey.” 5 (as well as verse 4).
  4. When Jesus came through the city’s gates, the people were yelling out loudly that he was their savior and ruler (though in the sense of relieving Israel from Roman oppression).
  5. As the events of his final week unfolded, the stage was prepared for his agonizing death on the cross and subsequent resurrection from the dead.

2007: A History of the Mishnaic Law of Appointed Times, Part Two: Erubin, 8220; Pesahim:Translation and Explanation, 8221; 9:5b (Wipfamp; Stock), 2007: A History of the Mishnaic Law of Appointed Times, Part Two: Erubin, 8220; Pesahim:Translation and Explanation, 8221; 9:5b (Wip “The number nine is a euphemism for the number nine in the English language.

Related posts

  • On Nisan 9, six days before Passover, Jesus arrives at Bethany (Nisan 15 minus 6 days). 6 “The next day” would have been Nisan 10, which was also the “day” on which the Israelites were to bring “lambs without blemish” into their houses, according to the Bible. On Nisan 10, some 1,500 years after the first Passover in Egypt, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. His arrival in Jerusalem for Passover was greeted with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!” (Save now!) Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even Israel’s King!” (From Psalm 118:19–27
  • John 12:13). More information may be found in Matthew 21:8: The majority of the throng spread their cloaks across the road, and some chopped branches from the trees and spread them on the road as well. (See also Mark 11:7–8 for further information.) This was a privilege reserved for monarchs and conquerors, not commoners (2 Kings 9:13). The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Bridge-Logos, 1998) was published in 1998. “> a total of 7 The folks were oblivious to the true magnitude of the situation. There were two things going on at the same time, but they only saw one: Jesus fulfilling Zechariah’s promise, which read: “Your king comes to you, mild and riding on a donkey.” (5
  • Also see verse 4) The Jews were fully aware of the prophesy. When Jesus walked through the city’s gates, the people were yelling out loudly that he was their Savior and King (though in the sense of relieving Israel from Roman oppression). What they didn’t realize was that God had chosen Jesus Christ to be the ultimate Passover lamb to be sacrificed. As the events of his final week unfolded, the stage was prepared for his agonizing death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. Just a few days later, on Nisan 14, when upwards of 250,000 lambs8were being killed in the temple courts in accordance with God’s instructions in Exodus 12, Jesus would be crucified to a crucifixion. A History of the Mishnaic Law of Appointed Times, Part Two: Erubin, 8220
  • Pesahim:Translation and Explanation, 8221
  • 9:5b (Wipfamp
  • Stock), 2007. A History of the Mishnaic Law of Appointed Times, Part Two: Erubin, 8220
  • “> nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Related resources

  • What Did Jesus’ Tomb Look Like in Real Life? Interact with an ancient tomb from the first century
  • Bundle of three courses on Jesus and the Resurrection for mobile devices. On the Third Day, the following was raised: David Beck defends the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection in his book Defending the Historicity of Jesus’ Resurrection. Is it possible that you are the one who will come? Michael Bird’s The Historical Jesus and the Messianic Question is a must-read. Andreas J. Köstenberger’s The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived is a book on the last week of Jesus’ life.
  1. NISAN (also spelled Nisan). The first month of the Israelite calendar, which corresponds roughly to the months of March and April. John Barry is the author of this work. Lexham Bible Dictionary, “Nisan,” (Lexham Press, Bellingham, WA, 2016)
  2. Lexham Bible Dictionary, “Nisan,” (Lexham Press, Bellingham, WA, 2016)
  3. Lexham Bible Dictionary, “Nisan,” (Lexham Press, Bellingham, WA, 2016). In biblical literature, flaws in one’s character are referred to as blemishes (Deut 32:5, Prov 9:7, Job 11:15). To the Passover of Egypt—(1)the designation took place on the tenth of Nisan, according to the Hebrew calendar. Jacob Neusner is a writer who lives in New York City. ‘Pesahim:Translation and Explanation,’ 9:5b, (WipfStock), 2007
  4. Jacob. ‘A History of the Mishnaic Law of Appointed Times, Part Two: Erubin, ‘Pesahim:Translation and Explanation,’ 9:5b, (WipfStock), 2007
  5. Jacob. Among scholars, there is debate as to the precise “day” on which Jesus entered Jerusalem, and this discrepancy is primarily due to an incorrect understanding of the Hebrew calendar and the way it operates, as well as the beginning and ending of Hebrew days. Regardless, the precision of God’s timing in John 12 and the events that occurred that week when compared to Exodus 12 is something to contemplate
  6. Palm branches were traditionally utilized on festive occasions (Lev 23:40, Neh 8:15). Traditionally, they were viewed as symbols of pleasure and victory. When kings and conquerors arrived, palm branches were laid out in front of them, and the branches were waved in the air. On the day of the Messiah’s coming into Jerusalem, they were waved in front of him in this manner (John 12:13). In Freeman, James M., The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Bridge-Logos, 1998), he mentions Jewish Wars 6.93, Josephus
  7. And Neusner, Jacob, who mentions Jewish Wars 6.93. A History of the Mishnaic Law of Appointed Times, Part Two: A History of the Mishnaic Law of Appointed Times Erubin, ” Pesahim:Translation and Explanation,” 9:5b (WipfStock), 2007
  8. Erubin, ” Pesahim:Translation and Explanation,” 9:5b (WipfStock), 2007
  9. Erubin, ” Pesahim:Translation and Explanation,” According to Leviticus 23, the Passover holiday is one of the seven “feasts” (festivals, or “designated times”) that are observed as part of the Old Testament sacrificial system.
See also:  Who Did Jesus Meet At The Well

Entering Jerusalem from the East

Dominus Flevit (Latin for “The Lord Wept”) is the name of a chapel on the Mount of Olives, with a view of Jerusalem. It commemorates an incident that is mentioned in the Gospel of John. Jesus is claimed to have rested here on his victorious approach to the city from the eastern towns of Bethany and Bethphage, according to the Gospel of Luke. Jesus, surrounded by his followers, honored with raised palm branches, and greeted with cries of hosanna as the son of David, paused on the route to Jerusalem, looked around, and grieved as he realized the city would be destroyed (Luke 19:41-44).

  • Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem.
  • We were facing the Temple Mount, with our view linked with Jesus’ vision.
  • The mount on which it formerly stood, which was sacred to the Jews, is now the site of the Muslim “Dome of the Rock,” which commemorates the location where the prophet Muhammad is claimed to have risen into heaven, according to tradition.
  • Dominus fugit.
  • According to the Gospels, Jesus was moved to tears on two separate occasions.
  • As he approached Jerusalem, he broke down in tears, a testament to his deep affection for the city and its people.
  • I had completely forgotten.

But Jesus spoke to them at the very moment of their jubilation, lamenting that “you did not know the time of your visitation from God” (Luke 19:44).

Jesus’ view of the city on that particular day was also a picture of what the city will become in the future.

The brutality of the Crusades, the Six Day War of 1967, current tensions and terrorism, all of this must have been predicted by Jesus himself.

Dominus fugit.

Even as he sobbed, he proceeded on his journey into Jerusalem, joining his fate to that of the city and its Temple.

The Golden Gate, which is clearly visible from the vantage point from whence we gazed out over the city, is sealed.

810 then restored by the Crusaders, was shut up once again by Saladin in 1187 and again by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1541.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is described as riding into Jerusalem as its king on the backs of a donkey and a colt, in fulfillment of a prophesy (Zechariah 9:9).

It was at that point that God’s splendor, which was coming from the east, appeared” (Ezekiel 43:1).

According to the Proto-Gospel of James (about 150 AD), Christian art shows the Holy Family meeting at the Golden Gate with a kiss and an embrace, celebrating the Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception, as if they were meeting for the first time.

Moreover, one of the earliest post-Resurrection miracles performed in the name of Jesus occurred at the Golden Gate, where a cripple who had begged at the gate was healed, and whose “walking and jumping and praising God” (Acts 3:8) expresses the Easter delight of the entire Church.

Even now, he continues to teach us what is required for world peace.

At the same time, it was a beautiful and horrifying vision, at once as human as a tear or a kiss and as divine as the prophet’s vision, which foretold what has since happened and what is yet to come.

The fact that Jesus once paused on a hill, looked down at the city he adored, and grieved because of it makes this double view feasible. Sister Ann Astell is a professor in the Department of Theology at Notre Dame, where she also serves as the director of undergraduate studies.

The History and Prophecy of the Triumphant Entry Gate

“The next day, when the large crowd that had gathered for the feast learned that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, they picked branches of palm trees and marched out to greet Him, yelling, ‘Hosanna!’ Those who come in the name of the LORD are to be exalted! ‘The King of Israel!'” exclaimed the crowd. 12:12-13 (Matthew 12:12-13) Anyone who has witnessed Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, whether in a movie or a documentary, would understand why the Bible refers to it as “the triumphant entry.” A vast and solemn drama plays out in front of us.

  • Hosanna in the highest!” the scene is breathtaking.
  • You probably saw He enters the city through a gate, but did you note what gate it was?
  • I mean, it’s simply a means of getting into the city, right?
  • In reality, I was one of eleven.
  • However, it turns out that the gate Jesus passed through on His journey to the cross later that week has some major historical and biblical significance, both in terms of fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and as a predictor of the future.

A Brief History Lesson

During the construction of the gates in Jesus’ day, Nehemiah gave each one a unique name:

  • Muster Gate, Dung Gate, Water Gate, Valley Gate, Essene Gate, Fountain Gate, Horse Gate, Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, Old Gate, East Gate, and so on.

At the moment, there are just eight gates surviving in the Old City of Jerusalem, and only seven of them are really in operation. The majority of the city’s gates were rebuilt over the top of the original first-century gates in the 1500s, following the construction of the current city wall, which was not built by Jews or Christians, but by Muslim ruler Suleiman the Magnificent of the Ottoman Empire in 1538 AD, replacing the original gates. Due to its proximity to the ancient Temple and its age, the East Gate is the oldest gate in Jerusalem and is most likely where Jesus entered on Palm Sunday.

  • In fact, He was able to look into the Temple from His prayer location on the Mount of Olives.
  • The gate we see now, like the others, was constructed on top of the old gate, which was demolished by the Romans in the year 70 AD.
  • The reason behind this is as follows.
  • Additionally, it serves as a reminder of their belief in the location where the Messiah (who has not yet arrived) would re-enter the city on Yom Kippur.
  • No doubt they also recall who was responsible for the construction of the existing city wall.

Additionally, it is possible that He passed through it the night of His arrest, when He went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the one He passed through 40 days after His resurrection, when the disciples accompanied Him to the Mount of Olives, before His final ascension into Heaven (Matthew 26:30,36).

The Gate’s Biblical Prophecy

In Acts 1:10, the Bible describes two angels who were there with the disciples as they witnessed Jesus ascend into the clouds and beheaded. When the angels had stood there for a minute, they tell the disciples that Jesus will return to the earth in the same manner in which He was taken. The majority of experts think this to signify that Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives, and the Jews believe it will take place around Passover, which has Biblical support for this belief. However, some early church founders linked the angels’ statements to a prophesy contained in Ezekiel 43:1-5, according to which Ezekiel saw the brightness of God returning to the Temple “through the gate facing east” and filled the Temple once again.

Despite several attempts, the gate has remained closed.

However, Suleiman was unaware that he was carrying out another prophesy recorded in Ezekiel 44:1-2, which states that the Lord declares, “This gate is to remain closed.” It is not permitted to be opened, and no one is permitted to enter through it.

Why Else the East Gate is Significant

Enough significance can be derived from the fact that Jesus chose the East Gate as the location of His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. But did you know that the East Gate was known by four other names in addition to its current one? Despite the fact that it is officially known as the East Gate, it is also referred to as the Golden Gate, the Gate of Eternal Life, the Mercy Gate, and the Beautiful Gate on occasion. The only one that is specifically mentioned in the Bible is the Gate of the Beautiful.

Whatever you want to call it, each name points to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the center of the universe.

Jesus, as the Messiah, extends to us mercy and eternal life in exchange for our obedience (John 3:16).

‘In that day, the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious,’ declares the prophet.

Isaiah 4:2 (KJV) How lovely are the feet of Him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ Isaiah 52:7 (KJV) “Your eyes will behold the King in all His splendor.” Isaiah 33:17 (KJV)

Everything Points to Jesus

As you worship the Lord on Palm Sunday and recall the significance of His willing entry into Jerusalem that week, take a minute to consider the gate through which He chose to initiate all of the events of His earthly life in the final days of His life on earth. What matters is that the gate of the triumphal entry represents the fundamental nature of God, regardless of which religion group you belong to or what you choose to name it. Whether we are Muslim, Jewish, or Christian, this is an area where we can all agree.

For Christians, we know that He demonstrates His glory via His sacrificial love on the cross, which occurred five days after Palm Sunday, and His victory over death, which occurred three days later.

Hosanna!

Further Reading

Most churches nowadays do not spend enough time discussing Palm Sunday and instead focus solely on Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. In this post, I discuss why it is vital to commemorate Palm Sunday and how Jesus’ victorious entry into Jerusalem fulfills prophecy from the Old Testament. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ last weekend on earth. Please follow and like us on Facebook:

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