The Triumphal Entry
Jesus had drawn near to the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives en route to Jerusalem. When he came near to Bethphage and Bethany, He sent two of His disciples into a village to get a colt for His entrance into Jerusalem. He told them exactly where they would find the animal and what the owners would say. After the disciples had explained their mission, the owners seemed quite willing to release their colt for use by Jesus. Perhaps they had been blessed previously by the ministry of the Lord and had offered to be of assistance to Him any time He needed it.
The disciples made a cushion or saddle for the Lord with their own cloths. Many spread their clothes on the road before Him as He ascended from the western base of the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. Then with one accord the followers of Jesus burst out in praise for all the mighty works they had seen Him do. They hailed Him as God’s King, and chanted that the effect of His coming was peace in heaven and glory in the highest. It is significant that they cried “Peace in heaven” rather than “Peace on earth.” There could not be peace on earth because the Prince of Peace had been rejected and was on to be slain. But there would be peace in heaven as a result of the impending death of Christ on Calvary’s cross and His ascension to heaven.
The Pharisees were indignant that Jesus should be publicly honored in this way. They suggested that He should rebuke His disciples. But Jesus answered that such acclamation was inevitable. If the disciples wouldn’t do it, the stones would! He thus rebuked the Pharisees for being more hard and unresponsive than the inanimate stones.
Dear friend, do you recognize Jesus Christ as your Savior, who only can save you from eternal damnation?
Jesus rides on a donkey