Triumphal Entry

Mark 11:1-11 · 2025-01-12 · Jason Wolin · Gospel of Mark | Cross and Crown

Mark 11:1-11 · Jesus' Passion. Triumphal Entry — sermon from Cypress Bible Church on BibleSlides.

Triumphal Entry Slideshow for this message PDF Message Download Now today we are studying what is traditionally known as the triumphal entry. That is not a label invented by Christians. A triumphal entry was common in the Roman world. These processions were the celebrations that attended generals who had accomplished great victories on behalf of their country. A general went out to battle, vanquish an enemy army and then returned with the wealth and plunder of that conquered nation and TRIUMPHANTLY rode into his home town to the roar of an excited people. This would be the high water mark for any general or king. But is that what is happening here? Jesus is welcomed into the city on Sunday and at least some from that same crowd are yelling crucify him on Friday. What’s the deal? Background Now there’s no way to appreciate this passage unless we go back and build the drama leading up to this point. Last week we spent some time rehearsing the ways in which the threat to Jesus’ life had been steadily growing over the past few months. And I want to rehearse THREE of the death threats mentioned in the text. In John chapter 8, at the feast of tabernacles, six months before his crucifixion, Jesus makes some pretty shocking claims. Do you remember? “Before Abraham was, I am” and the Jews correctly hear that statement as Jesus, claiming to be God; so they attempt to stone him for blaspheme. That’s death threat #1 Then in John chapter 10, just about 3 months later at the feast of dedication, he preaches the good shepherd sermon. The religious leaders approach him and say, “Tell us plainly who you are.” I and the Father are one and they again attempt to stone him for blaspheme. That’s death threat #2 Now in both these passages, Jesus is in danger, no doubt, but let’s recall the type of danger. What was going in both of these passages was an impulsive reaction. A small group of religious leaders would have been on the scene. Their sentiments certainly would have been reflective of a much larger group but the larger group was not present. Had they succeeded in stoning Jesus, they almost certainly would themselves have been thrown in prison. There would have been consequences. The Jews were not given liberty to carry out capital punishment. That was a job reserved for Rome. John 8 and 10 was Pharisaical VIGILANTE JUSTICE. Now what happens after that second stoning attempt? John 10:39-40 Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained.” Why does Jesus make this move to the area across the Jordan. The emperor in Rome at this time is Tiberius. And the way Roman emperors ruled their empire is to appoint prefects over the various districts o…

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