Matthew 21: 1-17

We’ve been stepping into Jesus’ story as He heads toward the Cross. As He enters Jerusalem for His last week of life, whose sandals would you like to strap on? 

• The disciples’ sandals? Perhaps you can figure out why they don’t speak. What do you suppose they’re thinking? Have they, too, waved palm fronds, shouting “Hosanna,” anxious for Jesus to take over the palace? 
• The crowd’s sandals? Having witnessed Jesus’ teaching and miracles, many excitedly welcome the One they think will be their conquering hero. But the rest of the multitude? While they bless Jesus and accord Him His rightful name of Son of David, are they just caught up in the moment? After all, they wonder, “Who is this?” (Matt. 21:10). 
• The children’s sandals? We all know how Jesus loves children. He won’t silence them, for their innocent voices offer the most honest praise of all (21:16). 
• Sandals of the blind and lame who approach Jesus in the temple court and are healed (21:14)? How do you think they react when the teachers of the law criticize their Healer?
• The religious leaders’ sandals? They are predictably “indignant” over “the wonderful things being done” (v.15). For three years, they’ve refused to adjust their sight and, blind with rage, continue to seek the death of the One who challenges their authority.
• Roman soldiers’ sandals? Just how nervous are they with these crowds pressing in? They don’t mind being forceful, even violent if need be, but what if the crowd turns on them? 
• Jesus’ sandals? How does He view the adulating crowds? With pleasure? Compassion? Do you feel His anger as He upsets the money changers’ tables? Why does He abruptly (v.17) leave, instead of lecturing the Pharisees?

It’s the Bible publishers’ sandals I want to step into. They added the heading, The Triumphal Entry. Is it triumphal? Yes, for the healed, it was a triumphal moment. Otherwise, though, Jesus rides into the capital on a humble donkey, not a war horse. Yes, He’s greeted with fanfare, but for all the wrong reasons. Since He won’t be the hero the crowds expected, they’ll soon clamor for his death. Those selling in the temple court see nothing triumphant as their tables are assaulted and they’re called out as thieves (21:13). Israel’s religious leaders don’t see triumph when Jesus walks away from their “indignant'' criticism; they probably think they’ve triumphed.

So, how is Jesus’ entry triumphant? 

The King has entered the capital city of His own people. Even though His flock continually misunderstands Him, this King will love them to death. This King is powerful and victorious. He (albeit briefly) restores the Temple from a marketplace to a place of prayer. He’s victorious over illness. And, in a week, He’ll secure the greatest victory of all: not over Rome, but over death. 

Lord Jesus, thank you for entering Jerusalem not as the earthly king we expected or even wanted, but as the King we desperately needed.