Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 7: The Final Week of Jesus
7.1 — The Triumphal Entry
7.1 — The Triumphal Entry: The promised King arrives in Jerusalem, fulfilling ancient prophecy.
7.1 — The Triumphal Entry
The King Arrives
After years of ministry, miracles, and teaching, Jesus arrived at Jerusalem.
The city was crowded with pilgrims who had come to celebrate Passover.
People traveled from throughout Israel and from Jewish communities across the Roman world.
Excitement filled the city.
Rumors about Jesus had spread everywhere.
Many had heard about His miracles.
Many had witnessed His teaching.
Many had recently heard about the raising of Lazarus in nearby Bethany.
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, a large crowd gathered.
They welcomed Him like a king.
They waved palm branches.
They spread their cloaks on the road.
They shouted praises from the Psalms.
Yet many of them misunderstood the kind of King Jesus had come to be.
The Triumphal Entry marks the beginning of the final week before the cross.
Scripture References
Matthew 21:1–11
Mark 11:1–11
Luke 19:28–44
John 12:12–19
Zechariah 9:9
Psalm 118:25–26
The Story
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He sent two disciples ahead to obtain a donkey and its colt.
He instructed them exactly where they would find the animals.
The disciples obeyed and brought them to Jesus.
Jesus mounted the colt and rode toward the city.
The crowd spread garments along the road before Him.
Others cut branches from trees and laid them down as a royal welcome.
Many shouted:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
Others cried:
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
The city became stirred with excitement.
People asked:
“Who is this?”
The crowds answered:
“This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.”
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, He was publicly presenting Himself as the promised Messiah.
Yet He did so in a way that surprised many.
He came riding a donkey rather than a war horse.
He came in humility rather than military power.
He came bringing peace.
Understanding the Story
Why Ride a Donkey?
Kings sometimes rode donkeys during times of peace.
A conquering king arriving for battle would typically ride a war horse.
Jesus deliberately chose a donkey to communicate the nature of His mission.
He came as a humble King.
Why Were Palm Branches Important?
Palm branches were symbols of victory, celebration, and national hope.
By waving them, the crowd was expressing joy and expectation.
Many hoped Jesus would free Israel from Roman rule.
What Does “Hosanna” Mean?
Hosanna originally meant:
“Save us now.”
Over time it also became an expression of praise and celebration.
The crowd was calling upon Jesus for salvation.
Understanding Jesus
Why Is This Event So Important?
The Triumphal Entry marks Jesus’ public presentation as Messiah.
For much of His ministry, Jesus often avoided public demonstrations of kingship.
Now He openly fulfills prophecy.
Did Jesus Know What Was Coming?
Yes.
Jesus knew that the same city welcoming Him would soon reject Him.
He knew the cross was only days away.
Yet He continued forward willingly.
Why Did Some People Misunderstand Him?
Many expected a political deliverer who would overthrow Rome.
Jesus came first to defeat sin and death.
His Kingdom was greater than they imagined.
Understanding Jesus: Jerusalem During Passover
Passover was one of the most important Jewish festivals.
The city’s population swelled dramatically as pilgrims arrived.
The feast celebrated God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.
The timing is significant.
Just as Passover involved the sacrifice of a lamb, Jesus was entering Jerusalem as the Lamb of God who would give His life for the world.
For a deeper understanding of Passover, see the Related Pages section near the bottom of this page.
Old Testament Connections
The Triumphal Entry fulfills several Old Testament prophecies.
Zechariah wrote:
“Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey.”
The crowd’s words came from Psalm 118, a psalm often associated with the coming Messiah.
The event demonstrates God’s faithfulness to promises made centuries earlier.
Missing Context Check
Why Is It Called Palm Sunday?
The name comes from the palm branches used by the crowd to welcome Jesus.
Many churches remember this event on the Sunday before Easter.
Was Everyone in the Crowd a True Follower?
Not necessarily.
Some genuinely believed.
Others were curious.
Some hoped for political change.
A few days later, many of the same people would remain silent as Jesus was condemned.
Why Did Jesus Weep Over Jerusalem?
Luke records that Jesus wept as He approached the city.
He knew many people would reject Him and miss God’s offer of peace.
His tears reveal both compassion and sorrow.
A Deeper Look: The King No One Expected
The crowd wanted a king.
God sent a Savior.
The crowd expected political victory.
Jesus came to provide spiritual salvation.
The crowd anticipated a throne.
Jesus was moving toward a cross.
The Triumphal Entry reveals a recurring theme throughout the Gospels.
God’s plans are often greater than human expectations.
The people were right to celebrate Jesus.
They simply did not yet understand the fullness of His mission.
See the Related Lessons section near the bottom of this page for other lessons about Jesus’ identity as Messiah and King.
Key Themes
Jesus Is the Promised King
The Messiah arrives in fulfillment of prophecy.
God’s Promises Are Faithful
Ancient prophecies are fulfilled in Christ.
The King Comes in Humility
Jesus demonstrates a different kind of leadership.
The Cross Is Near
The final week has begun.
Why This Lesson Matters
People still create expectations about who Jesus should be.
Sometimes they want Him to solve immediate problems while ignoring deeper spiritual needs.
The Triumphal Entry reminds believers to receive Jesus as He truly is.
He is not merely a teacher, miracle worker, or political figure.
He is the King, the Savior, and the Lamb of God.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Messiah.
The Son of David.
The King.
The Lamb of God.
The Savior who willingly moves toward the cross.
Jesus enters Jerusalem not to take a throne by force but to win salvation through sacrifice.
Living the Message
Spend time praising Jesus as King this week.
Reflect on areas where your expectations of God may need to align with His purposes.
Read Psalm 118 and Zechariah 9.
Thank God for keeping His promises.
Remember that true victory often comes through humility and obedience.
Reflection Questions
Why did Jesus ride a donkey into Jerusalem?
Possible answers:
To fulfill prophecy and demonstrate humility.
What did the crowd mean by “Hosanna”?
Possible answers:
“Save us now.”
Why were palm branches used?
Possible answers:
They symbolized celebration, victory, and hope.
What prophecy did Jesus fulfill?
Possible answers:
Zechariah 9:9 concerning the coming King.
Why is this event important?
Possible answers:
It marks the beginning of Jesus’ final week before the cross.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus entered Jerusalem as the promised Messiah and King.
Reasons We Believe
God fulfilled His promises through Christ.
Obedience in Action
Worship Jesus as King in your daily life.
Walk It Out
Trust God’s plan even when it differs from your expectations.
Related Lessons
Season 7: The Final Week of Jesus
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
Related Pages
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
