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This sermon by Kyle Cunningham focuses on Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem as described in Matthew 21:1-11. The sermon explores what it truly means for Jesus to be a "triumphant" king based on this passage.

Cunningham begins by setting the context that this sermon is being given during Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter Sunday which commemorates Jesus' death and resurrection. He invites the congregation to take time to reflect deeply on Jesus' final days and sacrifice during this week.

He then jumps into the biblical passage, pointing out that the subtitle "Jesus' Triumphant Entry" was added by translators, not part of the original text. This subtitle raises the question of what "triumphant" really means in the context of this story.

Cunningham argues that Matthew intentionally alludes to and weaves in numerous Old Testament references and images to paint a complex picture of just what kind of "triumphant" king Jesus is. Some of the key Old Testament allusions include:

Jesus riding on a donkey, evoking imagery of ancient Israelite kings and judges who rode donkeys as royal mounts
The people laying cloaks on the road, similar to the anointing of King Jehu in 2 Kings 9
The people waving palm branches, reminiscent of the Festival of Booths celebrating the Exodus from Egypt
The people quoting praises from Psalm 118, part of the liturgy for Passover
Through these allusions, Matthew portrays Jesus as the long-awaited Messianic king and deliverer from the Old Testament prophecies.

However, Cunningham argues that Matthew also complicates this idea of a "triumphal" victory. The passage notes the entire city was in "turmoil" and people were still confused about who Jesus really was, asking "Who is this?" This echoes earlier instances in Matthew where people struggled to understand Jesus' true identity and authority.

Additionally, Cunningham highlights how Matthew selectively quotes a prophecy from Zechariah 9 about the king arriving humbly on a donkey, intentionally omitting the part calling the king "victorious." He argues Matthew wants to emphasize Jesus' humility over typical earthly triumphalism.

Cunningham then explores three paradoxical qualities of the "king" Jesus based on this passage:

A humble king, riding on a donkey's colt rather than a powerful warhorse
A peaceful king, intentionally not resorting to violence despite threats
A cursed king, destined for crucifixion which was a theological scandal for Jews
In highlighting these paradoxes, Cunningham argues Jesus fundamentally subverts typical human expectations and definitions of power, victory and kingship. Rather than the powerful, violent, self-preserving ruler people expected, Jesus models an upside-down kingdom of humility, peace and sacrifice.

The sermon concludes by challenging the audience to let go of their own preconceived notions of who they want Jesus to be. Instead, we must embrace and worship Jesus for who he truly is - the unexpectedly humble, peaceful yet victorious king who gave his life to save us. This is how we too can seek to live as citizens of his paradoxical kingdom.

Date: 3.24.24

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