“The Second Coming Motif in Christ’s Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem in Matthew 21:1-11: A Narrative Analysis”

Abstract

The story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem in Matthew 21:1–11 is more than a Palm Sunday celebration. It is a signpost pointing to His Second Coming. Matthew shows how every detail—the donkey, the shouts of “Hosanna,” the stirred city—carries meaning. Jesus enters humbly as King, yet many misunderstand Him. This mix of joy and confusion reflects what will also happen when He returns. By tracing the narrative’s symbols, settings, and characters, this article reveals how the first entry anticipates the final one. The humble King who once rode on a donkey will return on a white horse in glory. The question for readers is clear: will we recognize Him now, or realize too late when He comes again?