Christ's Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem

THE following morning, Sunday, Nisan 9, Jesus leaves Bethany with his disciples and heads over the Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem. In a short time, they draw close to Bethphage, located on the Mount of Olives, Jesus instructs two of his disciples: "Be on your way into the village that is within sight of you, and you will at once find an ass tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. And if anyone says anything to you, you must say, 'The Lord needs them.' At that he will immediately send them forth."

Although at first the disciples fail to discern that these instructions have anything to do with the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, later they realize that they do. The prophet Zechariah foretold that God's promised King would ride into Jerusalem on an ass, yes, "even upon a full-grown animal the son of a she-ass." King Solomon had similarly ridden to his anointing on the offspring of an ass.

When the disciples enter Bethphage and take the cold and its mother, some of those standing by say: "What are you doing?" But when told that the animals are for the Lord, the men let the disciples take them to Jesus. The disciples place their outer garments on the mother ass and on her offspring, but Jesus mounts the colt.

As Jesus rides toward Jerusalem, the crowd increases. Most of the people spread their outer garments on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them out. "Blessed is the One coming as the King in Jehovah's name!" They cry. "Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest places!"

Some Pharisees in the crowd are upset by these proclamations and complain to Jesus: "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." But Jesus replies:"I tell you, if these remained silent, the stones would cry out."

Next time: Conclusion of Christ's Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991