The Triumphal Entry

”When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred…” Matthew 21:10

The triumphal entry of Jesus, for His last week (Passion week) on earth, caused quite a stir. Jesus, without a doubt, was the most popular, talked about ‘celebrity’ in all of Judea. His life, words, ministry and miracles drew many questions and confusion by the people and numerous commentaries by the Pharisees. No one was really sure what to make of Him. Even His own disciples wondered about Jesus. And it wasn’t because Jesus was unclear about His identity and purpose, it just showed how hard it was to accept Jesus as their Messiah - much like today. But what the disciples and others were unable to see, was the:

ARRIVAL OF JESUS MEANT…

”As He was drawing near - the whole multitude of His disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:37-38

Jesus didn’t come to Jerusalem to condemn the people. Nor did He come to flex His power over them. Jesus also didn’t show up to show them up. His purpose was not to tell them how wrong they were and how right He was. He came humbly, on a donkey, not to dominate mankind but to deliver them. The same is true today. Jesus arrives in our life not to condemn, judge, humiliate, diminish or destroy us. His coming into our lives in founded and grounded in God’s love for, and mercy and grace over His people. Sadly, this is not how people view the arrival of Jesus in our modern world - His appearance disrupts their life.

…THE ASCENSION TO LIFE.

”…The Pharisees… said to Him, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Luke 19:39-40

Both Religion and the Devil have tried to suppress the worship and acceptance of Jesus. He can’t be stopped, even if stones have to cry out. Despite any offense or inconvenience to religion, politics or culture, Jesus is coming, and His coming also means the ascension (lift) of His people. The life of Jesus lifts our spirit, soul and body, families, relationships and finances. When Jesus arrives there will be redemption and there is lift. We will ascend with Him, not just to heaven later, but right now on earth.