THE PRAISE IN THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest” (Luke 19:38 NKJV).

One of the remarkable features about the Lord Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem was the great honor and praise given to Him as He rode into the city. In Luke 19:35-36, we read, “Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.” Putting the garments on the animal and on the road was a typical practice by which dignitaries were honored in those days. Today in some places people still put flowers on the pathway. The Lord Jesus Christ was the honored One on this entry into Jerusalem.

Further, as they drew near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the disciples got very excited, and began shouting, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (v. 39). No doubt, they expected this entrance into Jerusalem to be the start of better things. Thus, we want to note the commendation in the praise, the crown in the praise, and the consequence in the praise

The commendation in the praise – “Blessed.” The word translated “blessed” is a Greek word from which we get our English word eulogy. Thus “Blessed be the King” means to honor and speak well of King Jesus.

The crown in the praise – “The King.” In this praise, the Lord Jesus Christ is recognized as Israel’s king. The disciples believed this truth, but others who said it were only mouthing words, for many of them would cry “crucify Him” a few days later. When Israel in sincerity recognizes that the Lord Jesus Christ as their King, the strife in the Middle East will cease.

The consequences in the praise – “Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.” When the Lord Jesus Christ comes to us, He comes to give us peace. Although sinners who have been separated from God, the Lord Jesus comes to bring us back to God that we might have peace with God. He not only brings us peace with God but reconciles us with one another. He has joined each of us to Himself, and in joining us to Himself has joined us to each other in peace. Indeed, there will be peace when the Lord Jesus Christ is honored.

(Adapted from Butler’s Analytical Bible Expositor)

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be The Glory)

Quotation of the Week

“On Palm Sunday, we join the chorus of voices proclaiming Jesus as King, acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives and our world!”

Rick Warren (1954 – Present)

American Baptist Pastor and Author 

Word Study

Finish (accomplish)

In 1 Peter 5:9 we read, “But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (NASB).

“Finish (accomplish)” is the Greek word epiteléō (ἐπιτελέω = ep-ee-tel-eh'-o). It is made up of two words: “epí” which intensifies meaning, in the sense of meaning fully, and “teleo” which means to bring to an end, accomplish, complete. Thus, the word means to bring something to the place where it is complete. Epiteléō carries the idea of fully reaching the intended goal in the sense of successfully completing what has been begun. In classical Greek epiteléō simply means to complete, finish, or accomplish. In the Septuagint epiteléō means carry out, achieve, to complete. And in the New Testament epiteléō also mean to complete or fulfill. In context, epiteléō does not mean that suffering would be brought to an end, but that sufferings would completely accomplish their intended goal and purpose in the life of each believer.

Did You Know…

We often think of the donkey as a lowly animal, but to the Jew it was a beast fit for a king (cf. 1 Kings 1:33, 44). Further, the fact that the colt had never been ridden (cf. Mark 11:2) and yet submitted to the Lord Jesus indicates our Lord’s sovereignty over His creation.

Bible Quiz

Why would the Lord Jesus not answer the Pharisees who questioned His authority?

**Answer to last week’s Bible Quiz

How is faith described in the Book of Hebrews? “The evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).

Prophecies Fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ

The blood of the Lord Jesus was poured out when they pierced His side (Psalm 22:14; cf. John 19:34)

"I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; it has melted within Me!” (Psalm 22:12-14 NJKV).

In context, David’s strength was sapped like poured-out water, and his joints were racked because of the attacks of his enemies. Moreover, like melted wax his courage was gone, and he had lost his desire to resist. Here we have a picture of the extreme suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ. The image also depicts the Lord Jesus’ utter exhaustion on the cross: He was completely without strength, both physically and emotionally. The “water” speaks of the extreme perspiration caused by hanging in the mid-day sun as well as the water and blood mixture that gushed from the Savior’s side when pierced by the soldier (cf. John. 19:34). It is remarkable that the Psalmist David should describe crucifixion since it was not a Jewish means of capital punishment. Yet, this is what would happen to Messiah centuries later as He suffered and died as the “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (cf. John 1:29).

Did You Know – Christian History

Generous Marcella Tortured for Money

Marcella was born into a wealthy upper class Roman home around A.D. 325. She was a Christian ascetic in the Western Roman Empire.

As a girl, Marcella met Athanasius, the bishop of Alexandria who gave her a copy of his Life of Antony, the hermit-monk who did so much to make monasticism a major force in Christianity. Antony’s self-denying practices greatly impressed Marcella. Further, most of what we know about this rare woman comes from letters of Jerome. Marcella met and studied with the great scholar (author of the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible). The two corresponded for the rest of their lives, exchanging thoughts on many issues

To please her mother, Marcella married. Seven months later her husband died, leaving her independently wealthy. Rather than dress so as to attract another husband, the young widow dressed so as to conceal her dazzling beauty. In spite of this, her hand was sought in marriage. One of her admirers was a Consul (a high Roman magistrate) and an Uncle to a Caesar. Elderly, he promised to give over his substantial fortune to her. Although Marcella was under pressure from her mother to accept the marriage, she refused his hand and chose to dedicate myself to perpetual abstinence.

With her wealth Marcella was able to feed the poor, contenting herself with very little. She was one of several Roman women who practiced strict lifestyles as a protest against the lawless self-indulgence of their time. However, when the Goths captured Rome in 410, Marcella’s former possessions proved a curse. She was tortured to reveal where her supposed wealth was hidden. She showed them her coarse dress, insisting truthfully that she had given everything away. Forgetting about her own sufferings, she pleaded that the soldiers not rape Principia, her pupil. The soldiers finally took her to a church, where she died praising God. Marcella’s life was marked by a profound transformation from wealth to devotion, as she defied societal expectations to dedicate herself to a life of strict simplicity. Her unwavering commitment to her faith ultimately led to her martyrdom, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate those who learn about this remarkable Roman woman.

A Little Humor

A little girl asked, “Why do we wear new clothes on Easter?” Her mom said, “It symbolizes new life.” The girl nodded. “So, my new dress is basically theological.”

Thought Provoking Church Sign

“Palm Sunday: The week that changed everything!”