I know, Easter was this past Sunday. I know, the Triumphal Entry is the event we use to mark the beginning of the holy week. But I was thinking. . .the Triumphal Entry actually happened after Easter. Think about it.
Colossians 2:11-15 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (ESV)
Colossians 3:1-2 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (ESV)
I believe the triumphal entry was what Christ experience in His return to Heaven. The temporary triumphal entry occurred on the Monday prior to Jesus death.
The next day (John 12:12), Monday, was Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matt 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19), His visit to the temple (Matt 21:10-11; Mark 11:11), and then His return to Bethany. The day of the triumphal entry would be Nisan 10 when the lamb was selected for Passover. Hence, the triumphal entry was the day when Christ presented Himself as Israel’s Paschal lamb.
But while we normally focus at Easter on the resurrection–which is an awesome truth–Jesus was also anticipating His glorification, His exaltation.
John 17:1-5 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. (ESV)
The story of Easter provides us with assurance of salvation–since God accepted Christ’s payment for our sin thereby securing salvation for us. But Easter’s story of resurrection is about Christ, as we often need to remind ourselves, it’s all about Him. But it is more than just the story of life after death. Easter Sunday is the start of Christ regaining what He gave up when He became man. He came to live, serve, teach, suffer and die, after which He regained His place of honor and exaltation. Easter begins the process of God exalting His Son.
Hebrews 1:1-15 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” 10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” 13 And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (ESV)
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (ESV)
Jesus has experienced His triumphal entry back to His rightful place. The place of honor and authority. Therefore He is to be worshipped as the King, the ruler all. That is something we should do everyday, not just at Easter.
Steve,
I just found your blog through Greg’s! Great to be able to read some of your thoughts! This is a fantastic post with a fantastic point! I never quite thought of it like that. Wow, the entry into heaven was far more glorious than the entry into Jerusalem… and we have no idea! What shouts of Joy probably resounded at the return of the King of Glory! “Open Wide you heavenly gates…”. Chilling, and awe inspiring! God bless you friend as you continue to faithfully minister where God has placed you! Thanks for talking (or letting me talk) that day last year. It was a blessing to me! God has worked so powerfully in my life since!
Many Blessings,
-george-
P.S. Love your motto!
Thanks George.
Managing two blogs (mine and the churches devotional site) has keep me from writting as much as I would like to.
I’m in the middle of reworking the look now.
If you ever want to be a guest blogger, I’d love to have you do some righting. I’ve been sharing your the three devotionals that your wrote with several people.
Hey Steve,
Not sure if you are thinking of the right george 😀 This is george weis. I hope all is well with you!
-george-