The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem bears the unmistakable marks of a royal procession — the arrival of a king greeted by his people with celebration and joy. In the space of a few verses, Luke deftly weaves together historical allusions and nods to prophecy to emphasize that Jesus was indeed Israel’s promised king. The ride on the colt strongly resembles Solomon’s journey to Gihon where he was to be proclaimed king (1Ki 1:33 – 35). The description of people eagerly spreading their outer garments to create a pathway for Jesus (roughly equivalent to “rolling out the red carpet” today) recalls the scene of Jehu’s coronation (2Ki 9:13). Luke’s account of Christ’s triumphal entry culminates with a citation from Psalm 118:26, adding the title of “king” so as to leave no doubt: Jesus was the long-awaited King who would bring peace between people and God.

Jesus, I wish I could have seen you riding into the city on that young donkey. Thank you for bringing peace between God and people, between God and me. Amen.