The biblical accounts of The Triumphal Entry contain 3 common threads, except for John who only mentions two, John 12:12-18. Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1-11 and Luke 19:28-44 explain the detailed preparations necessary to make the first Palm Sunday a reality, followed by specific instructions Jesus leaves with two of his disciples. Once executed exactly according to Jesus’ own words, all 4 authors emphasize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy by the triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the waving of palm branches, an act of praise and worship by the strangers in the crowd.
While the Holy Spirit, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, led Matthew, Mark and Luke to recount these 3 main details, John is moved in a different direction, focusing on individuals who attended this celebration. John 12:17 suggests that people who went to Lazarus’ funeral lined the streets, paying homage to the man who brought their friend back to life. Though this passage shines light on a few of the participants, clues, hints and logic are the only tools we have remaining to connect the dots to the faces of these strangers in this crowd.
Matthew 20:34 confirms that two blind men from Jericho whom were healed by Jesus, followed him to Jerusalem. Bartimaeus is named directly by a similar account in Mark 10:46-52. Meanwhile, Matthew 19:13-15 informs us that children were granted access to Jesus, likely following their parents trying to sneak a peek of Jesus as he entered Jerusalem. According to Luke 19:1-10, a short tax collector began climbing a tree to get Jesus’ attention. After a life changing visit with Jesus, Zacchaeus was surely present, either in the front row or climbing another tree to pay Jesus the respect he deserved.
With all the clues and hints within Scripture used up, logic leads me to believe that anyone healed by Jesus came to the first Palm Sunday. Furthermore, any family member who either heard, knew of someone or actually saw Jesus make a person whole again was likely in attendance. As Palm Sunday 2013 approaches this weekend, don’t be left out in the cold. Rather, line up early to become another stranger in the crowd, ready to worship the risen King!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 