2.  Matt. 16:21; 20:17-19 - Now, He sets His sights on Jerusalem and the culmination of His mission.

3.  Matt. 21:1-11 - Final week begins w/ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The enthusiasm of the crowd would soon turn against Jesus as their hopes of a militaristic Messiah are shattered.

4.  In Jesus’ entry, we will witness the attitudes & actions of the people, the religious leaders & Jesus, while learning valuable truths surrounding this event.  (Parallel:  Mk. 11:1-10; Lk. 19:29-40; Jno. 12:12-19).

I.  THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS ENTRY.

  A.  A Donkey Secured For His Entry - Matt. 21:1-7.

    1.  v. 1-2 - Two disciples sent into village (on east side of Mt. of Olives).

    2.  v. 3 - cf. Divine providence.

    3.  v. 4-5 - Fulfillment of Zech. 9:9.

  B. The Enthusiasm Of The Crowd - Matt. 21:8-11.

    1.  v. 8 - Garments & branches spread (Expression of joy & token of victory - Lev. 23:40).

    2.  Shouts of honor & praise:

      a.  v. 9 - Hosanna - "Save now (we pray)"; A supplication for deliverance. They saw in Him the time for deliverance.

      b.  v. 9 - Son of David/Kingdom of David - Mk. 11:10 / King of Israel - Jno. 12:13/Peace & glory - Lk. 19:37-38 ("king" - v. 38).

      c.  v. 11 - "The prophet."

    3.  Testimony of His power - Jno. 12:17.

    4.  Crowd from Jerusalem joins in - Jno. 12:18.

    5.  They see in Him one with the power to achieve their objectives.

  C.  The Indignation Of The Jewish Leaders.

    1.  Some Pharisees confront Jesus - Lk. 19:39-40.

    2.  They sensed their loss of control over the people:

      a.  Jno. 12:19 - Frustration & outrage.

      b.  Mk. 11:18 - Feared him - Sought to destroy him.

      c.  Matt. 21:15-16 - Anger & hate.

    3.  These who should have been rejoicing were showing themselves to be the enemy!

  D.  Jesus’ Sorrow For Jerusalem - Lk. 19:41-44.

     1.  v. 41-42 - Deep agony - The city of David, over which God had been so long-suffering - Now fills its cup of iniquity by rejecting the Son of God & the peace He brings! (Matt. 23:37-39)

      a.  Matt. 23:36 -- 24:34 - "This generation".

      b.  cf. Mal. 3:1-5 - Prophesied - Fulfilled.

    2.  He knew this enthusiasm would soon turn into hate & cries of "Crucify Him!"

    3.  v. 43-44 - Certain judgment coming.....causes the Savior to weep!

II.  SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS’ TRIUMPHAL ENTRY.

  A.  It Indicates That He Will Die Voluntarily - Jno. 11:53-57.

    1.  v. 53-56 - Things will happen according to God's timetable.

      a.  v. 57 - Sanhedrin had issued arrest warrant.

      b.  Rather than anyone telling the Sanhedrin where He was, Jesus was openly forcing the issue of His arrest & death! - cf. Matt. 26:55

    2.  Jno. 10:17-18 - Volunteered Himself.

    3.  Lesson: He did this for you & me! - 1 Jno. 3:16.

  B.  Jesus Sets Himself Forth (Is Presented) As The Messiah.

    1.  Zech. 9:9 - Riding donkey fulfilled prophecy.

    2.  Lk. 19:38-40 - He in no way denies their praises.

      a.  v. 39 - Pharisees viewed them as blasphemous.

      b.  v. 40 - Whole creation would shout His praises!

    3. Lesson: We must worship & praise Him as Messiah!

  C.  Jesus Shows The People The True Nature Of The Messiah.

    1.  He was not the earthly Messiah of Israel's dreams - cf. Mk. 11:10.

    2.  Zech. 9:9-10 - Nature of Messiah & His kingdom:

      a.  Lowly - Donkey associated with peaceful pursuits, not the rigors of war. (King, coming in/with victory!)

      b.  v. 10 - Chariot, horse, battle bow - Not the means of establishing or spreading His kingdom!

      c.  v. 10 - Prince of Peace - Isa. 9:6.

-With God & man - Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14-18.

    3.  Lk. 19:42 - They didn't perceive this, and turned on Him.

    4.  Jno. 12:16 - Only later did His disciples understand.

1.  The jubilance of this event soon faded as the people's expectations were not realized.

2.  Nevertheless, our Savior's majesty & reign were on display at His entry into Jerusalem.