READ: Matthew 21:8-11
“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

I felt like I could faint at any minute. My knees were buckling, my hair was wet from sweat, and i could feel a few hundred eyeballs fixated on my face. No, I wasn’t having a fever dream. I was getting married. It was the pivotal moment within any marriage ceremony. All of my groomsmen had assembled, my ring-carrying nephews raced down the aisle, and the flower girl just finished flinging flower pedals all over the church carpet. In an instant, my breath left my lungs and all the eyeballs turned away from me (finally). My wife walked down the aisle and with each step I could feel a flood of exhilarating emotions. The room stood to their feet and my eyes filled with tears just seeing this beautiful, godly woman moving towards me. This moment was all about her. Rightfully so, since she stole the show.

This is most people’s favorite part of a wedding ceremony — outside of the cake and sparklers. It’s a magical moment that little kids dream of from the time they are playing house with their barbies and GI Joes. The tradition of the bride walking down an aisle covered in plants may seem a little random, but it’s full of century-old symbols. When we look at the story of Jesus coming into Jerusalem the week of his execution, we see something very similar to a wedding march. The Israelites threw their cloaks and palm branches on the cobblestone path. While throwing flowers and waving branches, they cheered as they got their first glimpse of Jesus. Every seemingly random decision was designed to show respect and significance.

They literally rolled out the red carpet for Jesus. This was the treatment that they’d give to kings, conquerors, and (you guessed it) brides.

It’s crucial that we put this event, known as the Triumphant Entry, into context. The booming city was bustling with people buying lambs for the Passover. During this specific week, Jerusalem was likely the most populated city in the known world. It was like the olympics times twenty. The Jewish Passover was a celebration of the anticipated fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. Ancient believers collectively reflected on the miracle in Exodus when their houses were “passed over” during the culmination of the ten plagues.

Their ancestors were spared from tragedy due to the lamb’s blood marking their doorposts. Thus, the city had dedicated disciples on every corner carrying sacrificial lambs that they’d bring to the temple to cover their sins.

If they only knew the significance of this savior on a donkey. They had inevitably paid an inflated price for a little lamb. They had no idea the lamb of God that would take away the sins of the whole world just showed up into their town. The Messiah was coming down main street on a donkey. Jesus is the completion of the Passover — God’s ultimate promise to all mankind.

He went into that bustling city knowing that he would be betrayed, he would be beaten, and he would be murdered on a Roman cross. The same people that shouted, “Hosanna” will soon shout, “Crucify him.” Jesus knew what was ahead of Him, but he pushed forward anyway. His passion for you helped Him press on.

On Sunday, Jesus entered the city and everyone had a party. Celebrating him by throwing flowers into the air. Echoes filled the narrow roadways shouting, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” On Monday, He went into the temple and started flipping tables. On Tuesday, He got into a public dispute with a Jewish leader. On Thursday, He prepared and shared the passover meal with His disciples. On Friday, He is denied, betrayed, and murdered.

The same people that made a lot of noise on Sunday abandoned Him on Friday. Unfortunately, we see a watered-down version of this behavior today too. Some people live for Jesus on Sunday and forsake Him on a Friday. God is an every day God — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Don’t just worship Him on Sunday and forget Him throughout the week. Even when church services are over, worship Jesus wherever you are. Even when things are challenging, praise Jesus through the pain. Even when the temptation is strong, follow Jesus with your whole heart. God is a good Father. He deserves full custody, not just weekend visits.

TALK IT OUT
Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.
Q1: Have you ever been to a wedding before? What was the best part?
Q2: How can you give Jesus this Triumphant Entry kind of praise today?
Q3: What prevents people from worshipping God on a daily basis?
Q4: What daily habits or reminders can you set for yourself to remember praise God every single day of the week?
Q5: Why do you think Jesus went to Jerusalem if he knew he would be brutally treated and crucified there?
Q6: What made Jesus the ultimate fulfillment of a clean sacrifice to God?