The “Triumphal Entry” of Jesus is such a paradox. It sounds victorious and worthy of celebration but it is really pretty sober. We know that Good Friday and the cross are right around the corner. This Sunday feels like trying to celebrate your birthday when you know you will die on the next weekend. This day is the deep breath before the plunge.
This day represents our current cultural situation very well. We know we are in a great awakening. We know that better days are ahead. But we don’t know what we will have to suffer between here and there.

“for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”Hebrews 12:2

There is joy set before us. Victory is guaranteed to us because Jesus has sat down at the right hand of the Father (this is “the Gospel”: Jesus is King). With assurance of this, we move forward and embrace the cross and we despise it’s shame.