The Triumphal Entry

The Life and Teachings of Jesus and his Apostles, Instructor’s Guide (Rel 211–12), (2000), 47–48


The triumphal entry of the Son of David into the Holy City gave added witness of his messiahship and prefigured his future coming in glory.

Theme Analysis

  • A.

    Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem was a sign of his messiahship.

  • B.

    The majority in and around Jerusalem failed to perceive the significance of the triumphal entry because their hearts and lives were not prepared to receive their king.

  • C.

    Only those who were Jesus’ faithful disciples were prepared to receive him.

Study Sources

New Testament Reading Assignment

Matthew 21:1-27; Mark 11:1-33; Luke 19:29-48, 20:1-8, 21:37, 38; John 12:12-36.

Course Manual

Chapter 20, “The Triumphal Entry”

Standard Works

Matthew 23:37-39. Did the majority of the Jews receive the Savior? What was their condemnation?

John 3:16-21. Did the coming of Jesus condemn the Jews?

3 Nephi 1:4-9. Were all the Nephites prepared to receive the Lord?

Luke 14:15-20. Reasons why some were not prepared to receive the Lord.

D&C 38:30, 31. What are some characteristics of those who can look forward to receiving the Lord?

Mosiah 15:11-18. Who are those who go before the Lord today figuratively waving palm leaves to prepare the people for his coming?

Basic Library

Jesus the Christ, pp. 513-17. What is the significance of the triumphal entry?

Teachings, pp. 216-17. How must individuals and the church generally prepare to receive the Savior?

Additional Sources

Sterling W. Sill in CR, Apr. 1968, pp. 15-16. The triumphal entry as a type of the Savior’s second coming.

Harold B. Lee in CR, Apr. 1955, pp. 17-20. The Hosanna Shout and the triumphal entry.

Media Suggestions

Transparency, The First Part of the Final Week

Some Suggestions for Presentation

(Ideas Other Teachers Have Used)

Behold the King Cometh, Go Ye Out to Meet Him (A Discussion)

These words were probably echoed throughout the streets of Jerusalem as the Savior approached. Why did so few receive him—the very Lord of the universe—as he came into the Holy City? The following are a few of the reasons the Savior was rejected by so many when he first came. It would be beneficial to discuss these and others and apply them to the here and now.

  1. 1.

    Many really didn’t believe the prophets. John 5:45-47.

  2. 2.

    Some were spiritually unperceptive—they were walking in darkness at noonday. Matthew 13:13-15.

  3. 3.

    Many were looking beyond the mark. Jacob 4:14. (Note, for example, John 9:22-41.)

  4. 4.

    Because of priestcrafts and wickedness, the Savior was rejected. 2 Nephi 10:5.

  5. 5.

    Many were immoral and could not receive the Spirit. Matthew 12:39.

  6. 6.

    Some were just so involved with the cares of this world that they had no time for the Savior. Luke 14:15-20.

The Triumphal Entry—the King of Kings Enters Jerusalem (A Discussion)

One of the sacred titles of the Lord is “King of kings.”

Although he condescended to come to the earth under very humble circumstances, there is continued testimony to his being a king. An interesting discussion could be conducted featuring some of the following attestations to the Lord’s kingship:

A kingly welcome.

A king is born.

A kingly lineage.

Kingly gifts.

A kingly entrance.

An admission of kingship.

A king is crucified.

Jesus is resurrected King of kings.