The Triumphant Entry - Bible Witness

Meditations onthe Passion WeekThe Significance of the Colt(Matthew 21:2-7)The Significance of the Crowd(Matthew 21:8-11)Jesus Christ gave instructions to two of Hisdisciples to go into the village to a specificplace and find a donkey and its colt tied, thiswas the fulfilment of prophecy. The colt, whichnone had ridden before, had been preparedfor the King Himself. “And if any man sayought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hathneed of them; and straightway he will sendthem” (Matthew 21:3). The disciples loosedthe unbroken colt and brought it to JesusChrist and the stubborn will of the unbrokencolt submitted to Jesus Christ. This was thefulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.Jesus Christ thus presented Himself publiclyand officially as the promised Messiah.The Messianic arrival was five days before Hiscruel death. The Passover occurred on thefourteenth day of the month, and this wasthe tenth day, on which the law appointedthat the paschal lamb should be taken up(Exodus 12:3), and set apart for that service.On that day, Jesus Christ our Passover, whowas to be sacrificed for us, was publiclydisplayed. Yet again, our Lord has fulfilled theprophecies and types of the Old Testamentthat pointed to Him. He is truly God’s Messiahfor our redemption.The joy of the people was publicly expressedas the people greatly rejoiced when the Kingof Israel rode into Jerusalem. In their joy,they greeted Him by placing garments andpalm leaves on the paving, being an ancienthonour for a King. Shouting, “Hosanna to theSon of David: Blessed is he that cometh in thename of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest”(Matthew 21:9). The meaning of the Hebrewword “Hosanna” means “Save me now,”or “Please save” (cf. 2 Samuel 14:4; Psalm118:25).The Pharisees were troubled by the peoplecalling out “King”. They were concernedthat the Romans would construe it to be arevolt against their government. They wereexpecting a King who would lead them in amilitary manner and deliver them from theRoman rule, but the word of God says, “Andshe shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt callhis name JESUS: for he shall save his peoplefrom their sins” (Matthew 1:21). By both Hisactive obedience (fulfilment of miraclesto authenticate His ministry) and passiveobedience (humiliation in going to the Crossof shame), comes salvation through Hisrighteousness.The joy of the people quickly turned tojeers when they realized that Jesus Christwas not going to save them from Romanbondage. They failed to understand Histriumph in life, obtaining righteousness forHis people through His subsequent deathand resurrection, redeeming them from sin.His entrance was to save them from spiritualbondage and in God’s time, they would besaved from the bondage of Rome. Realisingthat Christ was not going to save them fromRome, their “Hosannas” on the triumphalSunday turned to “Crucify Him, crucify Him,”on the murderous Friday. Would you alsochange your attitude towards Christ withchanging circumstances Qand experiences?4 Bible Witness