Victorious Presidential candidates have a triumphant entry when they enter the convention hall to receive their party’s nomination for president. Sports teams have a triumphant entry when they come back to their home city after winning a championship. Generals and armies have received triumphant entries into cities after defeating an opposing military force. However, the greatest triumphant entry of all time belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 21:6-11 records what is commonly called our Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It tells us “a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way” (vs. 8). This was the ancient equivalent of a jubilant ticker tape parade, demonstrating respect, appreciation, and even adulation. The “multitude” in this procession is described as “disciples” in Luke 19:37. They rejoiced “with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen.” They may have seen their Messiah heal many diseases, or perhaps they witnessed Lazarus being raised from the dead. But not everyone was happy to see the Lord on this day. John 12:9-11 records the chief priests sought to put Lazarus to death, “Because…by…him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.” The real triumphant entry of the Lord Jesus Christ will be at His Second Coming to earth as the King of kings. At this time He will vanquish the armies of the nations that seek to destroy Israel, the beast, the false prophet, and Satan (Revelation 19:11-16, 20). In that day, as they experience eternal life, “the remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity.” Therefore, their Messiah tells them “Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart” (Zephaniah 3:13-14).

Believers in the Dispensation of Grace await a different triumphant entry of our Savior, when He returns in the clouds to rapture us home into the heavens. No one will be able to prevent Him from accomplishing this for us. With all adoration and glory belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ at this time, all who know Christ will be granted a triumphant entry into a heavenly existence. Our trials, physical or emotional pain, and failures in sinful conduct will all be swallowed up in a victory resounding the eternal praise to Him. We know we lose some battles on this side of eternity, and our enemy is daunting, but praise His name, we are on the winning side. Rejoice in these things my Christian friend.