As Instructed - The Triumphal Entry of Jesus

The passage from Matthew 21:6-9 captures a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus and the beginning of Holy Week. Key to understanding this event is the directive that Jesus gave to His disciples: “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” This simple verse encapsulates a profound theme of obedience and faith that resonates throughout the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection.

## The Triumphal Entry

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He decided to make a grand entrance that would fulfill prophecies foretold in the Old Testament. He instructed His disciples to find a donkey tied up and to bring it to Him. This was not just a spontaneous act; it was deeply symbolic and purposeful. The prophetic reference from Zechariah 9:9 highlights the humility of the King coming on a donkey—a symbol of peace rather than a war horse.

Upon bringing the donkey and colt to Jesus, His followers laid their cloaks on the animals for Him to sit on, and the crowd began to praise Him, shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” This spontaneous worship marked the beginning of what we call Passion Week, but it also set the stage for the dramatic events that would follow.

## Instructions and Obedience

Sometimes the things that our parents mean are not understood in the minds of the next generation. Parents don’t always explain themselves clearly. They just simply say, “Because I say so!”

The first notable aspect of this passage is the obedience of the disciples. They did as Jesus instructed them, despite not fully understanding the significance of the moment. Similarly, we often face tasks and situations in our lives dictated by faith. We might not see the full picture, but our response should mirror the disciples: to act upon His instructions.

The shared experience of misunderstood instructions is relatable to many. There’s an anecdote about a time when I was unsure if I were suffering from hearing loss. I found myself in a comical situations due to miscommunication. When I met with the physician after the examination, he simply said, “I have good news and I have bad news. The good news is that you have perfect hearing. The bad news is I don’t know how you’re going to explain this to your wife!“ Just like the need for clarity in communication, our relationship with Jesus often requires us to listen intently and obey, even when the reasons are not immediately evident.

## A Week of Significance

The events of Holy Week are significant in the Gospel narratives, taking up more than a third of the gospels. Each account offers unique insights and perspectives that enrich our understanding. Notably, Mark’s and John’s gospels devote considerable attention to these last days, calling us to reflect more deeply on their meaning.

The disciples who accompanied Jesus were steeped in the anticipation of a political revolution. They saw Jesus as a leader who would triumph over the Roman oppressors. However, their expectations didn’t align with the type of kingdom Jesus was establishing—a spiritual kingdom that sought to liberate individuals from the bondage of sin.

## The Importance of Worship

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowd’s reaction included both adoration and misunderstanding. They honored Him, not fully grasping the implications of His coming. “Hosanna!” means “Save us,” a cry echoing the desperate pleas of the Israelites in times of distress. This acknowledgment reflects a profound human longing for salvation, demonstrating a collective worship that transcended comprehension.

Despite the crowds’ lack of understanding about who Jesus truly was, they provided Him a royal welcome. They would wave palm branches and lay down their garments, an act symbolizing submission to a king. Yet, the irony lies in the fact that their worship would soon turn to betrayal as the same voices that proclaimed His majesty would later demand His crucifixion.

## The Journey Ahead

In our own lives, we may not always understand why certain things happen or where we are being led. However, the passage encourages us to walk in obedience, knowing that our faith is often called to operate in uncertainty. Today, we must also acknowledge that despite not knowing the full story, we are invited to worship anyway.

The disciples’ act of placing their cloaks on the donkey and colt illustrates their submission and respect. They acted on Christ’s direction, not knowing the trials they would face in the coming days. Their journey is a lesson in resilience: even amidst uncertainty, there is power in obedience and worship.

## Conclusion: A Call to Worship and Obedience

As we reflect on this passage during Holy Week, we are reminded that the path of faith often leads us through moments of doubt and confusion. Our call is to be like the disciples who obeyed—even when the instructions were unclear. As we examine our lives, we must ask ourselves: 

- Are we willing to follow His instructions blindly? 

- Do we place our trust in Him despite our uncertainty?

Although, I don’t know the one who originated the same, yet, it’s a good quote: “The best Christians you know aren't the forgiven ones; they are the surrendered ones.” This sentiment captures the essence of obedience and surrender to God’s will, even when we don’t understand the outcome.

As we lift our palms in worship this Holy Week, echoing those early praises of “Hosanna,” let us remember the significance of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem. He is not just the King, but also our Savior—a liberator for our souls. Let us approach Him with hearts ready to obey, even when the road ahead is uncertain.

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:6-9). May we be found in faith and worship, ready to follow the path He has laid out for us.