Chapter 33—Riding Into Jerusalem
On the first day of the week, Jesus resumed his journey to
Jerusalem to join in the feast of the passover. Multitudes who had
flocked to Bethany to see him, accompanied him, eager to witness
his entry into Jerusalem. All nature seemed to rejoice; the trees were
clothed in verdure, and blossoms which shed their delicate fragrance
upon the air. Many people were on their way to the city to keep the
feast of the passover. These companies were continually joining the
multitude attending Jesus. He sent two of his disciples to bring “a
colt, the foal of an ass,” that he might ride into Jerusalem. It was but
a short distance, and as he had always chosen to travel on foot, his
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disciples were puzzled to know why he should prefer to ride. But hope
brightened in their hearts with the joyous thought that Jesus was about
to enter the capital and proclaim himself King of the Jews, and assert
his royal power. While on their errand, the disciples communicated
their glowing anticipations to the friends of Jesus, and the excitement
spread far and near, raising the expectations of the people to the highest
pitch.
Jesus selected for his use a colt upon which never man had sat. The
disciples in glad enthusiasm spread their garments upon the colt and
placed their Master upon him. No sooner was he seated than a loud
shout of triumph rent the air, and the multitude hailed him as Messiah,
their King. Jesus now accepted the homage which he had never before
permitted, and his disciples received this as a proof that their glad
hopes were to be realized by seeing him acknowledged at Jerusalem
as the King of Israel. All were happy and excited; the people vied with
each other in paying him homage. They could not display outward
pomp and splendor, but they gave him the worship of happy hearts.
They were unable to present him with costly gifts, but they spread
their outer garments as a carpet in his path, and they also strewed the
leafy branches of the olive and palm in the way. They could lead the
triumphal procession with no royal standards, but they cut down the
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