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| Reverend G. S. Adeyemo |
Introduction
As His earthly ministry was getting to its climax, Jesus and his disciples moved to Jerusalem for the Passover. It is an annual Jewish festival to commemorate their deliverance from the Egyptian bondage. There He demonstrated his sovereign and unquestionable authority in the Temple. Jesus expelled those buying and selling in the Temple; He also cleared up the money changers from the Temple for turning the Temple into "a den of thieves" instead of house of prayer. The multitudes gathered around Jesus and believed according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded by John 12:9-11 after he raised Lazarus from the dead. Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19.
Observation
The original purpose of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a public presentation of Himself as the Messiah and King of the Jews in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The Bible says in Matthew that the King coming on the colt of a donkey was an exact fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 saying, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The people were spreading clothes, tree branches and palm fronds hailing Him. They were expecting a king who would come and liberate them from the tyrannical Roman Government.
Jesus rod to Jerusalem, the royal city, and like a king coming to His palace. This is no temporal palace but the spiritual palace that is the temple of God. He received the worship and praise of the people because only Him deserves it. He no longer tells His disciples to be quiet about Him Matthew 12:16, 16:20. The spreading of cloaks was an act of homage for royalty 2 Kings 9:13. Jesus was openly declaring to the people that He was their King and the Messiah they had been waiting for.
Application
1. We must learn from Jesus humility. Though He is King of kings, yet He rode on colt and not the expensive horse. Whatever you possess and become in life was given to you by God to honour Him. Those who humble themselves shall be exalted. Matt 23:12; Psalm 138:6; Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 29:23; Luke 1:52; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5
2. Jesus Christ alone must be honoured with our best. Phil 2: 10, 11; Prov. 3:9; Deuteronomy 18: 4; Exodus 23:19
3. Beware of the praise of men. Mark 12:38-40; John 12:42-43; Romans 2:29.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ began His earthly Ministry in a humble manner, lived and worked in humility died the worse death. God highly exalted Him above all principalities and powers. In His name all knees must bow and tongues confess that Jesus is Lord. Accept Him as your Lord and Saviour and you will never remain the same in Jesus name.
