Have you ever made a grand entrance? No? Have you witnessed a grand entrance? Was it filled with all the pomp and circumstance? Was there special music being played? Was the person(s) introduced as they made their way in? Was there applause? Were they smiling?
When I think of grand entrances, I think of the way young folks today enter their reception following their wedding. The entire wedding party is introduced as they make their way in one couple at a time. And, of course, the bride and groom are the last and receive the loudest applause.
But grand entrances do not happen with weddings only. We see starting lineup introductions in sporting events. There are the red-carpet entrances for the various Hollywood awards events. And, of course, the dignitary entrances at official government events. It seems we desire to make grand entrances as often as we can, seeking the attention of others.
As Jesus was about to make His grand entrance into Jerusalem, He chose to do so humbly. Rather than riding in a white stallion with escorts riding ahead announcing His coming, He set out unannounced. He gave simple instructions to a couple of His disciples to retrieve a donkey and her colt, humble animals.
One thing we can learn from Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem is this: we do not need to drum up the applause. If we are a person of integrity, honor, and worked diligently for God, the appropriate applause will be provided. It is better to be humble and unassuming than to be haughty and attention seeking.
I pray we all see the grand entrances for what they are. I pray we seek to be humble as Jesus was humble. I pray each one of us work diligently for God with integrity and honor. Follow Jesus’ example of humility. Work for God diligently. Be a person of integrity. Be honorable.
Matthew 21:1-2 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me.”
Marty Pressey 