The Not-So-Triumphal Entry
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
1 When Jesus and his disciples came near Jerusalem, he went to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives and sent two of them on ahead. 2 He told them, “Go into the next village, where you will at once find a donkey and her colt. Untie the two donkeys and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks why you are doing this, just say, ‘The Lord needs them.’ He will at once let you have the donkeys.” 4 So God's promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 5 “Announce to the people of Jerusalem: ‘Your king is coming to you! He is humble and rides on a donkey. He comes on the colt of a donkey.’ ” 6 The disciples left and did what Jesus had told them to do. 7 They brought the donkey and its colt and laid some clothes on their backs. Then Jesus got on. 8 Many people spread clothes in the road, while others put down branches which they had cut from trees. 9 Some people walked ahead of Jesus and others followed behind. They were all shouting, “Hooray for the Son of David! God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hooray for God in heaven above!” 10 When Jesus came to Jerusalem, everyone in the city was excited and asked, “Who can this be?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Matthew 21:1-11
Memory Verse
Matthew 21: 4-5
4 So God's promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 5 “Announce to the people of Jerusalem: ‘Your king is coming to you! He is humble and rides on a donkey. He comes on the colt of a donkey.’ ”
I watched as Karissa rode her giant horse around the arena. The horse’s name was Prince, and he earned his name by his shiny black coat and blazing speed. He galloped around the arena with his head held high, leading the rest of the horses behind him. He was incredible to watch. But as I watched, I noticed another animal in a distant pasture. It was a small donkey with floppy ears and a matted gray coat. Its head slung low, and no one was following it. No one was paying any attention to her, and she looked sad and pathetic.
I always find it funny that we talk about Palm Sunday being triumphal—a big word that means celebrating a great win or achievement—and then we see Jesus riding on a donkey like the one I saw in the field. The horse was triumphal, not the donkey. I wonder why Jesus chose to ride a donkey.
Like everything Jesus did, there was meaning to his choice. If he rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on a giant horse, it would have been an act of war, with Jesus as the conquering king. But by choosing a donkey, he declared that he was there to get to work—God’s work—and he wasn’t threatening anyone. Donkeys aren’t flashy.
Maybe you aren’t flashy either. Do you ever feel pressure to perform or to stand out and be noticed? Those are the things that the world values or even requires. But Jesus doesn’t put value in those things. Jesus spent his entire ministry with people that didn’t seem to matter and weren’t all that successful. His “triumphal” entry was no different. He came to Jerusalem for everyone, not just the flashy or popular people.
If you ever feel like you aren’t good enough for Jesus, remember that Jesus doesn’t just pick those who are good enough. He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey as he prepared to die on the cross for everyone who isn’t good enough but who he loves anyway. Like you!
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for choosing me! Thank you for loving me so much that you died to forgive my sins. As we celebrate Palm Sunday, help me to remember that even when I feel like I don’t deserve your love you give it to me anyway. Help me to live each day as your chosen child. Amen.Related Resources
Bret Lamsma
Bret Lamsma is the Director of Faith Formation at First Christian
Reformed Church in Denver, Colorado. He has also served churches in
California and Michigan. He has a passion for youth ministry and
intergenerational ministry in the local church. When he isn’t working at
church or writing he enjoys hanging out with his wife and 2 children,
hiking, woodworking, and watching movies.