“The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him and cried out: Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!” John 12:12-13
Palm Branches. Thrown down. In front of our Jesus, riding on a donkey. What does all this mean? It certainly seems as if Jesus is being honored. In this day and time; kings usually rode on horses, not donkeys. However, the donkey symbolized peace. The Prince of Peace rode upon the same animal, His pregnant mother had ridden upon; to birth the Son of God.
Zechariah foretells of the coming King, when He says in 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.”
Luke 19 tells that two of the disciples went into a village to find a colt tied, on which no one had ever sat. If anyone asked why are they were loosing it, they are to say; “Because the Lord has need of it.” Luke 19:31 It happened just as it has been predicted.
The disciples threw their own clothes on the colt and set Jesus on him. Many spread their clothes on the road. Some waved Palm Branches. The whole multitude of disciples began to rejoice and praise God saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” Luke 19:38
Less than a week later; this donkey riding King, would be crucified like a criminal for you and for me. The One who was bringing peace; would die for the sins of the whole world. He came to bring peace near and peace far away. Oh what a Savior!
Prayer in Motion:
Thank You Jesus for the gift of peace. For eternal life. For abundant life on earth. You came to die on our behalf. I cannot comprehend the height and depth and breadth of Your great love. Blessed are You who came for me. I love you Lord Jesus! Amen!
