The Triumphal Entry of Jesus – the Humble King

Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of praise, yet He knew the same crowd would turn against Him. What kind of King do we expect Jesus to be? This Palm Sunday message challenges us to welcome Jesus not just with words, but with surrendered hearts.

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Notes from The Triumphal Entry of Jesus – the Humble King

Jesus left Bethany and probably the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha and set out for Jerusalem. It was time to announce his arrival in a way he never did before. His time had come. It was the week of his death.  

Matthew 21:1-17 NLT As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage (bayth-fag-ay’) on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” 4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’ 6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. 8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God  for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” 10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” 12 Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. 13 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” 14 The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. 15 The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.” But the leaders were indignant. 16 They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?” “Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’” 17 Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.

Can I pray?

Humility changes the world

4 Reasons Jesus Entered Jerusalem on a foal of a donkey

• 1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event fulfilled the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9, which states, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” This demonstrated Jesus as the Messiah.
• 2. Public Declaration: This act was a public declaration of His identity as the Messiah. The crowds recognized this and honoured Him with palm branches, shouting, “Hosanna!” This shows their acceptance and recognition of His role.
• 3. Contrast to Expectations: Many expected a political leader to overthrow Roman rule. Jesus’ choice of a donkey countered these expectations, highlighting His kingdom was not of this world.
• 4. Symbol of Peace: A donkey symbolizes peace. Kings who rode horses usually showed power and military strength. By riding a donkey, Jesus presented Himself as a humble king who came to bring peace rather than conflict.

So you might be asking…

How could Jesus arrive in Jerusalem on a symbol of peace and then go to the temple and cause chaos?

That’s a good question…

First let’s realize that’s not all he did at the temple. We’re also told “The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them.” V14 He was also questioned by leaders and He taught them and those around. 

Secondly I think we need to recognize: 

Humility does not negate authority. 

On the day Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of Hosanna!;  we him exhibit both his humility and his authority. We need to keep both things in mind. He shows it even more a little later in the week, in fact we see something more about the connection between authority and humility on the  night he was betrayed. 

Next time I speak I hope to talk about this more. For now, I’ll give you sneak peak to show you something mind-blowing. 

John 13:1-5 NLT Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

It was because of his authority he showed them his humility.

In this inside, outside, upside, downside kingdom 

Authority Allows For Real Humility 

I want you to catch that. Humility and Authority are connected. But it’s not two sides of the some coin. Real humility flows from authority. We show humility because of His authority. (See Ephesians 5:21)

Let me explain. It’s best we start with what the Bible says humility is not and what is says it is.

3 Things Real Humility is not…

1. Putting yourself down James 4:6

2. Acting like you’re doing someone a favour Matthew 23:12

3. Comparing yourself  to Others  2 Corinthians 10:12 and saying someone is better than you. 

7 Things Real Biblical Humility Is…

1. Recognizing Dependence on God Psalm 25:9

2. Serving Others in Love  Mark 10:44-45

3. Being Teachable and Open to Correction  Proverbs 11:2 

4. Putting Others Ahead of  Yourself Philippians 2:3-4

5. Gentleness and Patience Ephesians 4:2

6. The Fear of the Lord Proverbs 22:4

7. Doing What You Do Out of Who and Whose You Are John 13:4

The disciples didn’t get what Real Humility was. It didn’t come to them naturally. It’s certainly didn’t come their mothers naturally. Real humility needs to be caught AND taught.  Look at what happened here. In Matthew this happens right before Jesus enters Jerusalem.

Matthew 20:20-28 NLT Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favour. “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honour next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.” When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant.  But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

Problem

We live in the same world that the first disciples did. We live in a world often captivated by power and prestige.  The concept of humility can feel out of place. Look at current US politics. 

We often associate greatness with grand displays, wealth, and dominance. And think of humility as humiliation. 

But Christ’s humiliation allows us to have real humility. Philippians 2:5-8 Did you catch that? Our Authority comes from identity.  Our identity whose we are—the one who adopted us, the one one who named us and called us His own, the one who bought us with a price so we belong to him—We are born not of perishable seed, but of imperishable seed. He has set us free and our freedom allows us to serve others in love. 

His humiliation allows us to have real humility.

Does this really matter?

It is counterintuitive to the world’s system. It is the way Jesus showed us to live.  The Triumphal Entry is more than just a historical event; it is a profound lesson about humility and service. 

In our daily lives, we encounter situations where we may feel pressured to assert ourselves or seek recognition. Understanding Jesus’ approach encourages us to embrace humility and to recognize that true strength lies in serving others.

Ephesians 4:2 NLT Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

What if?

What if we embraced this example of humility in our own lives? 

What if we approached challenges with grace rather than aggression? 

Think about how our relationships could transform if we prioritized service over status. 

Humility changes the world. 

Philippians 2:3-8  {Jesus did} nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility {he} value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Humility changes the world. 

Look how Jesus endured his humiliation with humility…

Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

His humility changed the world. 

Imagine Humility changing your World

Imagine a community where humility reigns—where nothing is done out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Leaders serve selflessly, and individuals prioritize the well-being of one another. Conflicts would give way to earned understanding, and joy would flourish as everyone works together for the common good. Crap still happens, but real love reigns. 

What can I do?

That’s a great question. 

You can’t control the humility of others. You can only control a humbling of yourself James 4:10

And don’t worry, I have a tool that can help. 

How to Practice Christ-like Humility – BE KIND

B – Be Bold in Love
E – Encourage Always

K – Keep Forgiving
I – Initiate Simple Acts of Kindness
N – Nurture Real Relationships
D – Dwell in Compassion

B – Be Bold in Love

1 John 4:19 We love each other because he loved us first.

Perfect love comes from God and flows through us to others. Show love fearlessly, reflecting the love God has shown you

Am I confident enough in God’s love I can share it with others?

E – Encourage Always

 1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Offer words of affirmation and support to uplift those around you. We are to let nothing come out of our mouths that isn’t for the encouragement of others. 

Do I let nothing come out of my mouth that isn’t for the encouragement of others?

K – Keep Forgiving

Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Let go of grudges and practice forgiveness to foster peace.

Is there anything keeping me from forgiving others?

I – Initiate Simple Acts of Kindness

Galatians 6:9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Little simple gestures change lives daily. 

I’m working on a 47-Day Negativity Fast Challenge where I’m encouraging people to Be Grateful-Be Mindful-Be Kind and I knew I needed a tool or a rhythm to help people know when they are being kind. You get a sneak peak at it today. Try it out and let me know if it helps. 

Do I say YES? Tool

Y – Your State Proverbs 16:2

Check your motivation

 We shouldn’t do anything for the show or the dough or the worry or the hurry. We shouldn’t do anything out of shame or to avoid shame. We should let our compassion lead us and not shut off our compassion. 1 John 3:17-18

Why do I want to help?

E – Evaluate the Situation – Luke 12:12

Be situationally aware. 

Consider the context and the needs of those around you. Remember a loud blessing too early in the morning can be considered a curse. Proverbs 27:14 Will your kindness be seen as a kindness or as an obligation to repay? The good news is Holy Spirit will give you the words to say or attitude to show. As for His heart in the moment. 

What does kindness look like in this moment?

S – Skills and Resources – Colossians 3:23-24

Hear and obey. 

Think about what you can offer—time, skills, or words of encouragement. When we do what we do “as unto the Lord” and work with our whole heart, we do not become overwhelmed. We feel busy-ness based not on what is done but what is left undone. When we do what we do to serve Jesus, we never feel the burden of busyness. 

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

What does God want me to do?

Y – Your State Proverbs 16:2 – Why do I want to help?

E – Evaluate the Situation – Luke 12:12 – What does kindness look like in this moment?

S – Skills and Resources – Colossians 3:23-24 – What does God want me to do?

Do  I say YES to daily acts of kindness?

N – Nurture Real Relationships

Proverbs 17:17 A friend is always loyal,  and a brother is born to help in time of need.

All the ‘one another commands are naturally occurring when we consider each other friends.  Friendship takes time and trust. Invest time in building and maintaining strong relationships with others.

How can I nurture real relationships this week?

D – Dwell in Compassion

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Let compassion lead you and don’t shut off your compassion. Compassion is love in action. Since God is love, God leads us through our compassion. Jesus was lead by compassion. Look at his miracles and the times it says he looked with compassion. 

Do I let compassion lead?

Recap..

B – Be Bold in Love 1 John 4:19 

• Am I confident enough in God’s love I can share it with others?

E – Encourage Always   1 Thessalonians 5:11 

• Do I let nothing come out of my mouth that isn’t for the encouragement of others?

K – Keep Forgiving Colossians 3:13 

• Is there anything keeping me from forgiving others?

I – Initiate Simple Acts of Kindness  Galatians 6:9

Do  I say YES to daily  acts of kindness?

      N – Nurture Real Relationships Proverbs 17:17

How can I nurture real relationships this week?

D – Dwell in Compassion Ephesians 4:32

Do I let compassion lead?

Will you let your humility change your world?

Will you BE KIND more and more? You’ll be practicing humility. 

Can I pray for you?

Practical application 

We’re going into a time of fellowship. Don’t rush out the door, even if you think you have to. Spend time talking. Spend time praying. BE KIND to one another. 

I don’t see any problem with anyone not showing Christ-like humility. This is just a reminder and an opportunity to not grow weary doing good works to others. You will see a harvest…if you do not give up. 

You can leave if you need to, but I’m not saying “You’re dismissed.” Because it’s time to be Jesus to each other. You’re the church. Be the church. 

***

Let’s leave space for Holy Spirit to speak to us. Maybe it’s about something He wants you to do. It could be about something He wants you to change. Has your compassion been turned off? Compassion gets re-activated through obedience. Ask Him what He wants you to do. Maybe God will ask you to go pray with someone else. Maybe it’s time for you to be still and know He is God.