Reading: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-10, Luke 19:28-40 and John 12:12-14
The Triumphal Entry
“And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ You shall say this: The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near-already on the way down the Mount of Olives-the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher rebuke your disciples.’ He answered ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.’” Luke 19:28-40
Through most of Jesus earthly ministry we see Him not particularly desiring attention and the drawing of a crowd. He drew crowds but it was because of His teaching and His humble spirit. Not because he desired any pomp and circumstance. Yet this time, He knew would be His last entry into Jerusalem before the cross. He was headed for Jerusalem and as He got closer He sent those disciples ahead to get this donkey for Him to ride into town. Take note here, He got a colt, a young donkey that had never had anyone sit on it before. The disciples threw their cloaks on its back and Jesus climbed on it and rode into town. The multitude of disciples and followers began singing His praises and shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
I wonder what Jesus was thinking as He rode into Jerusalem that day. As He was seeing the faces in the crowd was He memorizing them knowing He would see these same faces shouting “crucify Him” in the coming days. Or was He just enjoying the moment, knowing what was coming. I love that Jesus gave us this glimpse of His enjoying the praises of His people. I love that He told those Pharisees “if these were silent, the very stones would cry out!” I love praising Him. I love lifting my hands in worship! I love that I can sing Hosanna and Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! And though I know that I will fail Him in the week ahead. I love that He accepts my praise just like He did His crowd of followers on that day riding into Jerusalem. I won’t let the stones cry out in my place! Praise Him today! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! (v.13)
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