We call it the Triumphal Entry. Some day in the future, Jesus will come again, riding on a warhorse of judgment. But on this particular Sunday, on His way to the cross in that final week, He chose to ride on the animal of the symbol of Israelite kings: a colt of peace.


Though the expectation was for a conquering Messiah, this time He came on a mission to save. By which gate did He enter the royal city as the palm fronds and cloaks were spread and shouts of Hosanna went up? Did He enter by way of the Royal or Golden Gate – walled up by an Arab leader in the year 810 AD? Or did Jesus make a slight detour, coming down from the Mount of Olives, down through the Kidron Valley and up to the city walls? Indeed, He entered by way of the Sheep Gate in the northeast corner. This was the way of the Passover lambs, on their way for sacrifice, symbolic of the coming Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world! He was the Passover Lamb given for us! On His mission to save, He conquered death and hell.