Triumphal Entry

This is the image of a fresco created by Giotto di Bondone in 1304-06 in Padua, Italy, found here.

It is commonly understood that the Jews hoped for a political or military messiah and only a few with special insight understood that the messiah had to suffer (Luke 2:34-35). This fact is illustrated by the treatment Jesus received at the "Triumphal Entry." War heroes or political "saviors" (like the Caesars) would enter a city with great fanfare. Jesus, however, entered Jerusalem on a donkey. John's account of this event (John 12:12-19) contains a detail that the Synoptics do not record: the crowds took palm branches and welcomed Jesus (seen in the background of this image).

What does this mean? The palm branches look back to the reception of victorious military leaders, perhaps especially Judas Maccabeus (1 Macc. 13:51; 2 Macc. 10:7; cf. 14:4; Josephus, War 7:100-102). Further, palms seemed to have been a symbol for Judea. When Judea rebelled against Rome in A.D. 66-70, the rebels minted coins which had palm branches on them. Likewise, Simon bar Kochba did the same when he led a rebellion in A.D. 132-135. Ironically, when the Romans defeated the Jews they minted coins in celebration of their victory and guess what was on them? Yep...palm branches, as if to say, "Yeah...get you some!"

In other words, these branches of palms likely had little to do with the Feast of Tabernacles (where palm branches were used to make "booths" or "tents" to commemorate the wilderness wanderings) and more with nationalistic excitement (cf. 6:14-15, where 5000 men tried to make Jesus king). So we might not be far from the truth when we compare palm branches to an American flag--both are symbols of a nation. Like we wave American flags at 4th of July parades and other holidays, perhaps the Jews who got palm branches as Jesus entered were getting their symbol of victory over the Romans. Little did they know that the next day Jesus would enter the Temple and clear out the hypocritical Jews. Little did they know that five days later their messiah would be nailed to a cross. Little did they know that a week later He would rise from the dead.