The Triumphal Re-Entry

In this Palm Sunday sermon, Chris Romig reflects on the deep connections and clear contrasts between Jesus' first entry into Jerusalem and his anticipated return at the end of history. The message opens with the image of Jesus riding humbly on a donkey, celebrated as king, but coming not to conquer Rome, but to save humanity from sin and eternal death. Drawing from Revelation 19, the speaker notes that while Palm Sunday marked Jesus' humble entrance and his mission to bear judgment for sin, the second coming will be an event of awesome power, with Jesus riding a white horse to bring divine justice and judgment. Old Testament prophecies—especially Daniel's "seventy weeks"—are referenced to underscore how Jesus fulfilled God's timeline at his first coming and how prophecy points forward to his climactic return. The sermon contrasts these two events: first, Jesus comes in humility, greeted and then rejected by the crowds; at his return, he comes in majesty, and the nations will wail, recognizing their mistake—while a remnant of Israel will worship him. He is accompanied first by humble disciples, but returns with the victorious armies of heaven. The message closes with encouragement for believers: for those in Christ, his return is a reason for hope, not fear. It is the promise that, whether by death or at his coming, believers will behold Jesus face-to-face in joy and glory. The sermon ends with a musical proclamation, expressing this longing and hope for Christ's glorious return.