Dr Tom Hover
February 15, 2026
Matthew 21:1-11
JESUS’ PALM SUNDAY RIDE / Fellowship Dinner
JESUS’ PALM SUNDAY RIDE Matthew 21:1-11
Introduction: The time is getting closer for the crucifixion of Christ, and so the events in this chapter are those which occurred shortly before the crucifixion. In them, one can see the great animosity of Christ’s enemies which climaxed in the crucifixion. This passage today is commonly known as the Triumphal Entry of Christ into Jerusalem. This took place on the Sunday before Christ’s resurrection. There is a lot that transpired during this week. This is where the Lord Jesus Christ presented Himself one last time to the nation of Israel as their promised King. Tragically however, the Jews rejected their Messiah and crucified Him. Between these two Sundays is the account of the awful agony and suffering of Christ for the sins of the world.
I. THE PREPARATION THAT WAS DONE FOR THE RIDE Matthew 21:1
A. The Errand Matthew 21:1,2
B. The Explanation Matthew 21:3
II. THE PROPHECY THAT WAS FULFILLED BECAUSE OF THE RIDE Matthew 21:4-5
Old Testament prophecy fulfilled: Zechariah 9:9 He came upon a donkey, a beast of burden and servitude. This was significant as He was coming to bear the burden of man’s sin. Hebrews 2:9, Philippians 2:8
III. THE PROCESS THAT TOOK PLACE BEFORE THE RIDE Matthew 21:6-8
The process of the Triumphal Entry is seen in verses 6–8.
There are three thoughts here.
A. The Obedience Matthew 21:6
And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, there are two thoughts that stand out in this verse.
First, There Was No Hesitation. We are told that the disciples went.
Second, There Was No Discussion. They did as Jesus commanded them.
B. The Outcome Matthew 21:6-7Christ rode on a donkey, not a horse. The horse riding will come later when Christ comes in triumph to rule and reign.
C. The Others Matthew 21:8
IV. THE PRAISE THAT WAS RENDERED DURING THE RIDE Matthew 21:9 Hosanna literally means: “Save Now (present tense), we pray thee”!. The problem was that they didn’t want Jesus to save their souls, they wanted Him to save them but from Rome.
V. THE PERPLEXITY THAT WAS OBVIOUS AFTER THE RIDE Matthew 21:10
A. They Were Perplexed Because Of Their Ignorance “Who is this?” Matthew 21:10
First, The Person in the Ignorance. “Who is this?”
Second, The Place of the Ignorance. “All the city saying, who is this?”
B. They Were Perplexed Because Of Their Incompleteness. “This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee” (Matthew 21:11). This was not a good answer. The right answer was that Jesus was the promised Messiah. But all the praise about Jesus being the “son of David” (Matthew 21:9) was left out in this answer. It is true He was from Nazareth; but it is also true that in giving His identity, they needed to give His Messianic identity, too. Oftentimes it is not what one says but what one does not say that condemns a person. So, it is here. To leave out “son of David” was to leave out important truth. Yes, Excitement did fill the city. The people were receptive of Jesus for what He could do for them. These people who lined the road with their coats and shouted Hosanna as Jesus entered the city, just a few days later were crying. “We will not have this man to reign over us.” (Luke 19:14) “Crucify him, crucify Him.” (Luke 23:21) In less than a week the city turned its back on the Son of God and called for His death. Hail Him, Hail Him on Sunday and a few days later Nail Him, Nail Him.
Conclusion: Only one person can step into a life and give happiness even when health fails; peace even when possessions fade; and security when savings fly away. That Person is Jesus Christ. Heavens Palm SONDAY: There coming time When there will be another PALM SUNDAY so to speak!
It will be in Heaven when all the Saints in Glory will with Palms in their hands Praise God in reality. Revelation 7:9-10. The cross is rough, and it is deadly; but it is effective. It does not keep its victims hanging there forever. There comes a moment when the work is finished After that comes resurrection, glory and power. The pain is forgotten for joy that the veil is taken away, and we have entered in the actual experience the Presence of the living God.
PM Service
February Fellowship Dinner Tonight at 6:00 PM
