And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives.
The triumphal entry
I. The occasion of this homage.
II. The scene of this homage. Scene of-
1. His ministry.
2. His martyrdom.
III. The offerers of this homage.
IV. By what actions this homage was expressed.
V. The language in which this homage was uttered. (J. R. Thomson.)
Christ entering Jerusalem
I. The story presents to view Christ’s sovereignty over all men.
II. This story also exhibits Christ’s foreknowledge of all ordinary events. He tells the disciples, as they set forth to do this errand, just what will happen.
III. Then again, this story discloses Christ’s power over all the brute creation (Luke 19:35). No other instance of Jesus’ riding upon an animal of any sort has been recorded in His history; and of all, this must have been a beast most difficult to employ in a confused pageant.
IV. Once more: this story illustrates Christ’s majesty as the Messiah of God. Two of the evangelists quote at this point the Old Testament prophecy concerning this triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:8-9). (C. S. Robinson, D. D.)
Christ entering Jerusalem
What is the meaning of the day? What was the purpose of the demonstration? The suggestions that Jesus lost control of either Himself or of the people, so as to be carried away by their enthusiasm, are unworthy of His former history and of His subsequent teachings.
I. The day is memorable for its surprises and reversals of judgment. Jesus only judged rightly; next to Him the children in the temple. The hopes and visions of the people and disciples were wide of the mark and doomed to disappointment. This day to them promised a throne, but hastened the cross and a tomb. The fears and hates of the Pharisees and rulers were surprised and reversed. Jesus made no attempt at temporal power and offered no resistance.
II. This day emphasizes spirituality as the only key to a right understanding of persons and providences. Christ was revealed as a king, but not of this world. After the gift of the Spirit the apostles clearly perceived the prediction of prophecy, the prediction of providence, in the songs of praise.
III. What the day teaches of the child-like spirit should not escape.
IV. We shall not be too bold in pronouncing this day memorable as a prophecy. The meaning of it was projected into the future. It is prophetic of the entrance into the heavenly Jerusalem, when, indeed, souls shall give Him homage. That triumphal entry into the city of David was followed by crucifixion. This triumphal entry into the city of God shall be consummated in coronation. (J. R. Danford.)
“Who is this?”
I. Let us investigate the different feelings which gave birth to this inquiry.
1. With many it was a feeling of thoughtless wonder.
2. Angry jealousy prompted the question in some.
3. There was yet another class of questioners, whose state of mind may properly be described as that of irresolute doubt.
II. The true answer to the question.
1. Go to the multitude by whom Jesus is surrounded, and ask, “Who is this?”
2. Go to the ancient prophets and ask, “Who is this?” (Zechariah 9:9).
3. Go to the apostles after they were enlightened by the Holy Spirit.
4. Go to the experienced believer. (J. Jowett, M. A.)
Honouring Christ
I. Consider the meaning of the incident itself, the spirit and truth which it expresses. It was, in fact, an expressive illustration of His claims as the Messiah. It was a spontaneous heart offering. It indicates Christ’s influence on His own age. The truth does get honoured at times, even in its own time. The prophet is not without his reward. A noble life will touch the hearts of the people.
II. Consider some of the lessons which are to be drawn from the conduct of the multitude. The reputation of Christ was great. The multitude was lashed into enthusiasm. But then came disappointment. He assumed no royal dignity. “Crucify Him!” It was the fickle element that helps to constitute public opinion. We should, therefore, consider the grounds and motives from which we honour Christ. He demands more than our fickle, transient homage. He is not truly honoured by mere emotions. Men get glimpses of Christ’s beauty and power. His sacrifice in its incidents moves to tears; but the real spirit and significance of it all are missed. Christ needs more than good resolutions under the influence of emotional excitement. We have to honour Him by our perfect self-surrender and trust; and by our actions amid the mire, and toil, and dust of daily traffic. Real honour must be faithful and persistent, like that of the loving women who, when Peter meanly shrank, stood at the last hour by His cross, and were, on the first dawn of Easter Day, at His sepulchre. There will necessarily be variations in religious moods. But uplifting moments should leave us higher when they pass. Christ asks more than public honours. Professional respectabilities not enough. He wants individual honour and homage. The true heart’s sacrifice more than the hosannas of the thoughtless hollow crowd.
III. Consider the significance of this transaction in its relations to Christ Himself. It reveals His true glory. He despised the earthly crown. Outward glory was not His object. He manifested the internal, spiritual, eternal. The kind of triumph here symbolized. That was one to be reached through sorrow, agony, death; a triumph of self-sacrificing love. It was not the coronation of sorrow, but victory through death. There is no real victory which does not partake of the qualities of the Lord’s. Obedient, submissive, self-sacrificing love is in our appointed path to the upward heights of glory. You may share Christ’s victory. Then honour Him in a kindred spirit of sympathy and self-renunciation. My Lord and my God! Let every heart honour Him! (E. H. Chaplin, D. D.)