Riding Into Jerusalem
47
The dumb whose tongues He had loosed, shouted the loudest
hosannas.
The cripples whom He had healed leaped for joy, and were most
active in breaking the palm branches and waving them before Him.
Widows and orphans were exalting the name of Jesus for His works
of mercy to them.
The loathsome lepers who had been cleansed by a word, spread
their garments in the way.
Those who had been raised from the dead by the life-giving voice
of the Saviour were there.
And Lazarus, whose body had seen corruption in the grave, but
who was now enjoying the strength of glorious manhood, was with
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the happy throng that escorted the Saviour to Jerusalem.
As new numbers were added to the throng, they caught the inspi-
ration of the hour, and joined in the shouts that echoed and re-echoed
from hill to hill and from valley to valley:
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He that cometh in the
name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.”
Matthew 21:9
.
Many Pharisees witnessed this scene, and were displeased. They
felt that they were losing the control of the people. With all their
authority they tried to silence them; but their threats and appeals only
increased the enthusiasm.
Finding that they could not control the people, they pressed through
the crowd to where Jesus was, and said to Him: “Master, rebuke Thy
disciples.”
They declared that such a tumult was unlawful, and would not be
permitted by the rulers.
Jesus said, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the
stones would immediately cry out.”
Luke 19:39, 40
.
This scene of triumph was of God’s own appointing; it had been
foretold by the prophets, and no earthly power could stop it. The work
of God will ever go forward, in spite of all that man may do to hinder
it or tear it down.
As the procession came to the brow of the hill overlooking
Jerusalem, the full splendor of the city met their view.
The vast multitude hushed their shouts, spellbound by the sudden
vision of beauty. All eyes turned upon the Saviour, expecting to see in
His countenance the admiration which they themselves felt.
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