Blessed is the King

But why a Donkey?

As we look at the scripture concerning the Triumphal Entry we should note that this is a parade, and that Jesus plans his own parade. Jesus has always been so humble and had often told people to say nothing of his healings. Yet this time seems different somehow. Why is this time different for Jesus? Jesus knew that for the sake of his followers he needed to have a parade.

What was the reason for his parade even if it was for the sake of his followers? For the duration of his ministry his followers have thought of Jesus as a conquering hero or king. Yet Jesus had never taken the throne so to speak. It is now time for him to take his throne. “Blessed is the King”

The New Revised Standard Version Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them.

How is this parade different? It really begins with the colt. Triumphal leaders who conquered would ride a horse in the parade, but Jesus has his disciples get him a colt. Ambassadors of peace rode colts. Colts were a sign of peace. When it comes to God sacrificial offerings were to be pure and perfect. A colt would have been unbroken.

Luke speaks of a parade, so to speak, and of Jesus riding the colt. What Luke doesn’t talk about is the Palm leaves. In the days of Jesus people used cloaks as a sign of military success. The conquering kings were treated to cloaks lining the streets of the parades. Palms were also a similar sign.

English Standard Version Chapter 19

36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

So, the way this scripture plays out Jesus is not quite what the world wanted him to be but he was a conqueror. Jesus ushers in a time of peace and yet in a way not yet. Jesus stands for peace but each individual is asked to believe.

Notice the conflict that arises when the people sing praises to Jesus as a conquering king. The religious leaders are upset. 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Lk 19:39–40. Where are you today? Do you have something to offer, such as a colt? If someone said to you the Lord has need of it, would you be willing to let it go? Would you be in the crowd cheering for the Lord, or would you be upset that they were cheering? Maybe you are one of the rocks!