The Triumphal Entry of our Lord is spoken of four times in the New Testament.  “It is evident that it is a scene in the earthly life of Jesus which Christians are intended to study with special attention.  Let us study it and see what practical lessons we may learn for our own souls” (J.C. Ryle, Mark, p. 227).

Jesus’ triumphal entry helps us to understand the nature of his kingdom. Up to this point in his life and ministry, Jesus has refrained from receiving the title of King.  Now he openly declares himself to be a King for He is not far from the end of his earthly course.  His removal to heaven is at hand.  Thus, he openly commences his earthly reign in the hearts and praise of his people.

Who are the people who attend him on his triumphal entry? The garments placed on the borrowed beast of burden were marks of raw and disgraceful poverty – the very poorest of the poor, those who belong to the despised multitude.  His kingdom does not resemble earthly kingdoms.  His kingdom does not consist of the fading riches of this world. “The gospel writers are not making a statement so much about possessions here as about Christ: As the rightful King, he has the right to anything in creation, certainly among his people”(Blomberg, pp. 311-12).

How can we who are too much devoted to wealth and splendor derive any advantage from this narrative of the triumphal entry? Consider the prophecy from Zechariah: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!” The Prophet shows that the coming of Christ yields to believers a full and complete ground of joy; for, since God is not reconciled to them in any other way than through the agency of the Mediator, and as it is the same Mediator who delivers his people from all evils, what can there be, apart from him, that is fitted to cheer men ruined by their sins, and oppressed by troubles?

Matthew 21:6 – “The disciples went.”  Let us also learn by their example to press forward through every kind of difficulty, so as to render to the Lord the obedience which he demands from us; for he will remove obstacles, and open up a path, and will not permit our endeavors to be unavailing. Christ’s kingdom begins by God’s command and appointment. “He comes in the name of the LORD” (v.9).