John 12:12-19 & Matthew 26:1-27:66
In the name of Jesus. Amen.[1]
October 21st and 22nd 331 BC, Alexander the Great of Greece made his triumphal entry into the city of Babylon after conquering it. And we have a historical account of Alexander’s entry into the city.[2]
While Alexander was approaching Babylon, some went up on the walls of the city to watch their new king enter, but most went out to meet him. For miles, the road into Babylon was carpeted with flowers. At regular intervals, silver altars were placed on both sides of the road heaped with frankincense and perfumes. Herds of cattle and horses were in the procession as well as lions and leopards in cages. Large choirs sang the praises of Alexander. The Babylonian cavalry marched along with all their equipment and horses. Alexander himself was surrounded by an armed guard as he rode in his chariot, and the people of the city followed him. Finally, this massive, impressive parade approached the gates, and Alexander entered the palace. Now that is a triumphal entry. Miles of people, soldiers, animals, and all sorts of pageantry following the king. It was a display of might, power, and authority.
Have Alexander’s entry into Babylon in mind as you consider the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. On Palm Sunday, the crowds went out to meet Jesus. They waved palm branches and laid them and their cloaks (Mt. 21:7) on the road before Jesus. They cried out, “Hosanna,” which means “Save us now! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
They find Jesus sitting – not on a chariot, war horse, camel, or elephant. Jesus sits and rides a donkey – a beast that helped people carry burdens and was used for normal, everyday work. And this fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey.”
This entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem is His triumphal entry. But unlike Alexander’s entry, it is humble, lowly, and peaceful. Jesus arrives in Jerusalem as King but not as a normal king. He certainly has power, strength, and glory, but He isn’t intimidating, either to the citizens of His kingdom or to those outside His kingdom. Jesus does not come to demonstrate His might. He comes to demonstrate His love. He comes not to conquer Jerusalem or the world; instead, He comes to conquer your sin and death by His own death on the cross.
Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn. 18:36). Jesus is a different kind of king with a different kind of glory. He is a king who has come to die for His subjects – for you. Christ’s glory is to be humble and take the form of a servant. Jesus is a king who is obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Php. 2:5-8). And the cross is His triumph. Because Jesus has given Himself unto death for you, God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name above all names. Dear saints, Jesus comes with mercy, and He comes for you. Welcome to Holy Week. Amen.
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
[1] This sermon has been adapted from a sermon by Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller.
[2] The account was written by Quintus Certius Rufus and can be found here.
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