The Sunday before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus and his disciples arrived in Jerusalem, traveling from Jericho and passing through Bethphage and Bethany, two small towns less than two miles east of Jerusalem. (28-29; John 12:1, 12) When he arrived at the Mount of Olives in Bethphage, he stopped at a crossroads where one street went to the temple, a distance of less than two miles (3.2 km).
Jesus had sent two of his disciples ahead to borrow a donkey with her colt so he could ride it into Jerusalem (30; Matthew 21:2). A donkey then is like an old junk car today. Whereas a horse was like today’s tank. Why did he do this? Jesus was making a significant announcement by fulfilling Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey”. (Matthew 21:5; John 12:5)
No wonder the disciples began joyfully praising God loudly for all the miracles they had seen (37; John 12:17-18). Hosanna means save now. Using loud voices, the disciples were singing the words of Psalm 118:25-26, which were understood at that time and before to refer to the Messiah. Jesus seems to hint they were the first rock band (40).
Jesus and his disciples made the greatest claim yet that he is the Messiah, the king of Israel and Judea, to the people. Everyone knew what he was saying, for kings, including David, rode into the capital city, either on a horse (as conqueror) or a donkey (in peace). They joyfully welcomed him into Jerusalem. Will you allow the King to enter your heart?
