The Triumphal Entry

In this account, known as the Triumphal Entry, Jesus enters the Jewish capital of Jerusalem during Passover Week nearly 2000 years ago, in what theologian N.T. Wright deems a “Perfect Storm.” The western wind of the dominant ruling empire of Rome met the high pressure system of Jewish nationalistic hope, which was enough to create massive tension and conflict in itself, when the hurricane that was Christ supercharged the entire system by his presence.

Up until this point in his life, Jesus had intentionally tried to contain his messianic identity, but he is now prepared to make his royal announcement in an extremely loaded political and theological action statement. By sovereignly orchestrating his arrival on a lowly colt, he is identifying himself as the coming king prophesied by Zechariah 500 years before. In effect, he is lighting the fuse of the powder keg that was Jerusalem, all but guaranteeing a conflict with religious establishment, the Roman authorities, or both. Though incendiary, his action is also paradoxical and peculiar - he does not ride on a war horse, but on a lowly donkey; not as a military figure, but as the prince of peace.