THURSDAY, MARCH 15
Luke 19:28-44
Zechariah 9:9-17

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion;
…behold, thy King cometh unto thee…”

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

Jesus presented Himself openly as the Messiah of Israel. The place was the Mount of Olives. It was so called for the abundance of olive trees on this mountain. The distance from Jerusalem was about a Sabbath day’s journey (Acts 1:12). On the west side of this mountain was the garden of Gethsemane. On the eastern side of the mountain were the villages of Bethphage and Bethany.

This was the exact fulfilment of the prophecy about the Messianic King in Zechariah 9:9. By His foreknowledge, Jesus directed the disciples to get a young male donkey. The people put their garments on the animal and on the ground to welcome Him as their King.

When Jesus was near to Jerusalem the people shouted “Hosanna” (Matt 21:9) which means “Save now” or “Please save.” The people rejoiced because they were expecting liberation from the Roman rule. They were however mistaken for they expected the earthly kingdom of Israel to be established. The Jews had been waiting for their Messiah to rule as King and they thought Jesus would.

The Pharisees were envious of Jesus’ popularity. They were enraged by the praises. They asked Him to stop the people from shouting Hosanna. The Pharisees attempted to silence the praises of Christ, but they could not. Jesus told them that as God could out of stones raise up children unto Abraham, so He could out of children’s mouths perfect the praises to Him. He implied here the necessity of the event.

Jesus lamented over the city of Jerusalem because He foreknew what will happen to it first before His earthly throne in the millennial Kingdom will be set. He saw their unbelief, their rebellion and outright rejection of Him as the Son of God. Are we like the Jews who continually denied the kingship of Jesus Christ?

THOUGHT: Is Jesus Christ the King of my life?
PRAYER: O Lord of the Universe, may my life be ruled by Thee.