Triumphal Entry

Triumphal Entry/Passion Week

Pastor Gus Rich

3-29-26

In Luke 19:28 to 44 we come to what is often called the Triumphal Entry, yet Luke presents it with a sobering edge. Jesus is entering Jerusalem as King, but not in the way the people expect, and not to receive the kind of kingdom they desire.

As He approaches the city, Jesus sends two disciples to retrieve a colt that has never been ridden. This is not random detail. It fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, where the King comes humble and mounted on a donkey. Christ is deliberately revealing His identity. He is the promised King, yet His kingdom is not one of earthly conquest but of righteousness and peace.

The crowd responds with praise. They spread their cloaks on the road and cry out, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” These words echo Psalm 118 and reflect a recognition, at least in part, of who Jesus is. Yet their understanding is shallow. They are celebrating a King they hope will deliver them from Rome, not a Savior who has come to deliver them from sin.

The Pharisees, in contrast, reject Him outright. They tell Jesus to rebuke His disciples. But He answers, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Creation itself would testify to the glory of Christ if men refused. This reminds us that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted. Christ will be proclaimed as King whether men accept it or not.

Then comes one of the most striking moments in the passage. As Jesus draws near and sees the city, He weeps over it. The King who is worthy of all praise is moved to sorrow. Why? Because Jerusalem does not recognize “the things that make for peace.” They have rejected the very One who brings reconciliation with God.

Jesus foretells the coming judgment. Enemies will surround the city, tear it down, and not leave one stone upon another. This was fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The reason is clear. “Because you did not know the time of your visitation.” God had come to them in the person of Christ, and they rejected Him.

This passage forces us to consider the nature of true faith. It is possible to outwardly praise Christ and yet miss who He truly is. The crowd shouted for joy, but many of those same voices would later cry out for His crucifixion. True saving faith is not momentary enthusiasm. It is a work of God that opens blind eyes to see Christ as He is, the sovereign King and the only Savior.

We also see the sovereignty of Christ throughout. He orchestrates the details of His entry. He fulfills prophecy with precision. He declares inevitable praise and certain judgment. Nothing in this scene is accidental. Even the rejection of Jerusalem fits within the unfolding plan of God.

Finally, we see the heart of Christ. He is not indifferent to judgment. He weeps over sinners who reject Him. This should shape how we view the lost. There is real judgment, but there is also genuine compassion in the call to repentance.

Luke 19:28 to 44 presents us with a King who is both sovereign and sorrowful, both glorious and rejected. The question is not whether He is King, but whether we recognize Him as such and bow before Him in true faith.

We always encourage everyone to check everything through the lens of the Scriptures. Be like the noble Bereans of Paul’s day. Please visit us here for much more, and remember, Christ is enough.

Let us worship together, and remember this very week of what Christ has done to purchase our very salvation.  He paid the debt we never could, rewarded us with a reward that is His and still calls sinners to repentance today. 

Until we meet again, lets go serve our King!

FRF Family