14 Reasons Jesus Went To The Cross - To Fulfill Prophecy
The act of riding on a donkey fulfills a prophecy that speaks to His kingship, while the response of the crowds shows their recognition of Him as the promised Messiah.
14 Reasons Jesus Went To The Cross - To Fulfill Prophecy
(written by David Peterson)
Jesus is planning His entrance to the city of Jerusalem so He sends two disciples ahead of Him to secure the animals He needs. In Matthew 21:2-3 scripture informs us; “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” Jesus knows exactly where the animals would be and who to talk to about their use. He chooses to ride the colt - which fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9, that The King would ride in as “righteous, victorious, and lowly” - upon palm branches spread on the ground. People cheered and shouted “Hosanna” (Hebrew for “save now”) on this glorious Sunday!
William David, a writer for The Bible Outlined, wrote this about Jesus entering Jerusalem; “The act of riding on a donkey fulfills a prophecy that speaks to His kingship, while the response of the crowds shows their recognition of Him as the promised Messiah. Jesus did not come in the way that many expected, on a regal horse, but rather humbly on a donkey. This very act symbolizes how He came to bring peace, not just an earthly rule as they had hoped.” Jesus brings humility with His entrance and surprises those present.
Jennette Threlfall wrote the hymn “Hosanna, loud Hosanna” in 1873. Verse 2 is as follows;
From Olivet they followed
mid an exultant crowd,
the victory palm branch waving,
and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that little children
should on his bidding wait.
Threlfall describes the scene well and mentions His low profile entrance.
Let us pray: Lord and Savior Jesus, you are the one who saves and your humility astounds us. Teach us to be as You: it is not about recognition, or ego, or pride, or selfishness in all of our actions but much more about salvation and giving all glory to God! Amen.
