The Triumphal Entrance

Caesar at Gual after victory.

During Holy Week, Christians celebrate and recall the long awaited triumphal entry by Christ into Jerusalem. It was prophesied in Zachariah 9:9 nearly 500 years earlier.

“See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

In church today I was asked to compare and contrast two paintings of triumphal entrances - one of Caesar and one of Jesus Christ. 

I invite you to do the same. 

What do you notice about both paintings? How are they different?

Do you see any of yourself in one or both pictures?

How do you see yourself enter into relationships, situations and circumstances?

How do you celebrate victories?

To get you started, I’ve made notes on the two paintings.

So, what do the two paintings say to you? 

Do they speak to a desire to be like Christ or do they point out any pride you may carry. 

After processing these two images, I was inspired to write a poem about how I sometimes conduct myself when I enter into different environments. Is it all about me (like Caesar) or do I come into a situation with humility like Christ did in his entry?

My Triumphal Entry

As I enter every room

Does my presence bring a gloom

Consumed with thoughts of only me

Or aimed toward all those I see

~

Do I bring my power in

With my strength and need to win

Or do I come on beggar’s knee

Seeking what you could give me?

~

Is my mind all bent to me

Or does it dwell in thought of thee

Do I let you near my side

Or is my armor where I hide

~

Does my presence bring you life

Or cut you down with bladed knife

Do I shout of all my fame

Or do I boast of your acclaim

~

Do I care for my own way

Or do I search for all that stray

Oh dear God so help me  be

A humble servant trusting Thee.

WGS 4.13.25