In John 12, Jesus had just raised Lazarus, which had been declared dead, from the dead. As a consequence, many people of the Jews knew that Jesus was responsible for raising Lazarus from the dead.
But as the scriptures point out, "they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also" whom He had raised from the dead. This obviously caused an issue with the chief priests. Together, the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death, because that by reason of him, many of the Jews went away and believed on Jesus.
The multitudes of people who witnessed Jesus' miracle had a different idea. Indeed, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet Him, crying out, "Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the Name of the Lord." (John 12:13)
But what is really happening here is not just the people witnessing their Lord and King riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. This event was essential to fulfill the old testament scripture which had been previously spoken by the prophet, saying: "Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King comes unto thee, meek and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass." (Matthew 21:4-5; Isaiah 40:9; Zechariah 9:9).
You see, God is not the author of confusion. This is why there is more than one written account of what happened here in the scriptures. The Lord wants us to know that His Word is true, and that every revelation and prophecy from the scripture can be confirmed within the scriptures. In other words, the Word is our foundation whereby we can discern the truth.
No variance. No eloquent preaching. No saint with a private revelation (claiming to have seen Jesus after His ascension in Acts chapter one) can alter what has been written. Why? Because when we seek Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, He gives us the Comforter.
"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth, for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come." (John 16:31)
"Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold the King comes sitting on a donkey's colt." (John 12:15) "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem, behold, thy King comes unto thee. He is just and having salvation; lowly, and riding up an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:25; Isaiah 62:11; Luke 19:38)
"And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and He sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, "Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." (Mark 11:7-9)
Certainly, there must have been much commotion at the time -- as Jesus came into Jerusalem, because the scriptures state that "all the city was moved." In fact, they asked, "Who is this?" (Matthew 21:10) The answer?
"This is Jesus -- the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee." (Matthew 21:11) "This is of a truth -- [He is] that prophet that should come into the world." (John 6:14) "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet until Shiloh come -- unto Him shall the gathering of the people be." (Genesis 49:10)
The one and only -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- who loved us enough to die for us, while we were yet sinners. Glorify His name today. Seek His presence in your life through His Word. Stand in the offering plate.
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