“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” 2 Corinthians 8:9
Jesus makes an triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (colt). He was greeted by a large crowd spreading their cloaks on the road and waiving palm branches in joy. People were jubilant and shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”. At this moment, the whole city of Jerusalem were stirred and asked who is this? The crowd chanted that He is Jesus , the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee. This entry into Jerusalem signifies his riches as he makes an entry into Jerusalem as the King. This event also fulfills the prophecy as per Zechariah 9:9 (“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey”).
Jesus’s disciple did not understand the significance of this triumphal entry at that time, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these were already written about him. Pharisees were jealous of the attention Jesus received and knew that the world would be on his side. This triumphal entry of Jesus was important. It served as a fulfillment of prophecy, recognition of His role, and prepared the way for the events that led to the judgement (His death) and resurrection.
We all would have read a lot of inspiring real life stories about Rags to Riches, but life of our Jesus Christ is true reflection of Riches to Rags. He went from being a sovereign to being a servant. He went from the glory of heaven to a stable. He went from a throne to a manger, and then to the cross. He gave up his place in heaven so we could have a place in heaven. Jesus went from riches to rags, for our sake, so that we could go from rags to riches. We know what God did for us – He sent Jesus on a mission, on a mission to die on the cross as the perfect sacrifice. We need to accept that sacrifice by turning away from sin and abiding by His words.