This was Passover Sunday, the beginning of the last week of Jesus’ life on earth. He made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Today this Sunday is known as Palm Sunday. When Jesus and His disciples approached Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples ahead to make preparations for His entrance into Jerusalem (v.1). They were to go into the village opposite them, and immediately they will find a donkey tied and a colt with her. They were to untie them and bring them to Jesus (v.2). If anyone said anything to them, they were to say, “The Lord needs them,” and the owner will send them without delay (v.3).
This was fulfillment of prophecy spoken by Zechariah (v.4). Perhaps this is what Jesus would say to the people of Jerusalem, “Behold, your King is coming to you, gentle, and sitting upon a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden” (v.5). The disciples did as commanded (v.6). They put their clothes on the colt and set Jesus thereon (v.7). A colt that had not been used was considered holy by the Jews and was fit to carry a king. Jesus was a king and rode into Jerusalem in the manner that was customary for royalty. He came riding a colt humbly, but yet with royal dignity as the Prince of Peace. Matthew was foretelling the Messiah’s arrival in Jerusalem.
Jesus made a joyful entrance into Jerusalem, and a very great crowd followed Him. Most of them spread their coats on the road while others cut palm branches from the trees and spread them on the road as a royal carpet before a king (v.8). The crowds shouted praises and adoration: “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” (v.9). What excitement when Jesus entered Jerusalem! All wanted to know His identity. “Who is this (v.10)?” And the crowds responded, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee (v.11).” More important, they weren’t certain that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. Are you sure Jesus is the Messiah ? If you’ve been on pause, hit your refresh button right now and restore the joy of triumph you experienced when Jesus first entered your heart. Give God glory and happy Resurrection Day!