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A triumphant entry into Jerusalem marked a double departure for Jesus and his three-year public ministry. The arrival at Jerusalem was both a precursor to his pending crucifixion and a deviation from a ministry in which Jesus had been content to travel the countryside on foot, attracting little fanfare. This time, he sent disciples ahead to fetch a colt for an arrival that included shouts of Hosanna from a local throng spreading cloaks and branches along the mucky road.
During his public ministry, Jesus performed many healings and miracles but often told those healed not to publicize what had happened. Arriving in Jerusalem to complete his earthly mission, Jesus embraced the publicity and reverence he had previously downplayed.
Jesus’ triumphant arrival in Jerusalem was greeted both by those who accepted him as a saviour and others who erroneously saw Jesus as a leader who would overthrow Roman rule. The latter group’s shouts of Hosanna would soon be supplanted by cries to crucify him when Jesus didn’t fulfill their worldly wishes.
On this solemn day, as we begin Holy Week, let us dig deep and rekindle our own profession of life-giving faith enkindled by Jesus’ arrival at Jerusalem. May our voices join with those who cry, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”