This Sunday is Palm Sunday, when we celebrate what’s commonly known as the “Triumphal Entry” of Jesus into Jerusalem. After a successful ministry in the northern region of Galilee, Jesus comes to the metropolitan capitol in Jerusalem as king for the last phase of his earthly ministry. This moment is the high point in his popularity and praise during his earthly ministry.

Now to fully understand what’s at play here, it’s important to understand the origin of the word “triumph.” Today, we use the word to refer to any victory or success. But in the ancient Roman world a triumph w...