The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in John 12:12-15,
"The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the king of Israel!' Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 'Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt.'"
This account, which is provided in all four Gospels, is referred to as the "Triumphal Entry". It was a key event of Jesus' earthly ministry as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
The event took place at the end of Jesus' time here and signaled both the completion (up to the passion week) of all he set himself to do and also to prepare publicly the events leading to his sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
It is reminiscent of conquering generals at that time who were given a "triumphal entry" upon their return to their home city. The Quest Study Bible points out that palm branches were often waved during times of celebration and victory. This is seen in Psalm 118:26-27, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar."
We also see the use of palm branches in worship as prescribed in the law, "On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days." Leviticus 23:40.
"The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the king of Israel!' Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: 'Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt.'"
This account, which is provided in all four Gospels, is referred to as the "Triumphal Entry". It was a key event of Jesus' earthly ministry as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
The event took place at the end of Jesus' time here and signaled both the completion (up to the passion week) of all he set himself to do and also to prepare publicly the events leading to his sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
It is reminiscent of conquering generals at that time who were given a "triumphal entry" upon their return to their home city. The Quest Study Bible points out that palm branches were often waved during times of celebration and victory. This is seen in Psalm 118:26-27, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar."
We also see the use of palm branches in worship as prescribed in the law, "On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days." Leviticus 23:40.
Although, undoubtedly, many who were celebrating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem were some of the same calling for his death a few days later, I still have to imagine this was a magnificent sight and a wonderful celebration.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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