Jesus Prepared the Way (Matthew 21:1-4)
This is now the last week of the Lord’s life on earth. Matthew 20:29 tells us that they were coming from Jericho as they made their way to Jerusalem. This would have been a 19-mile journey in an area that was mostly desert, rocks, and caves. It would have been an area that was a common place for robbers. The mount of Olives is on the east side of Jerusalem. Between this mount and Jerusalem runs a small stream called Kidron. On the west side of the mount was the garden of Gethsemane. On the eastern decline of the mount were Bethphage and Bethany (Mark 14:32 and Luke 22:39 say Jesus came near to both cities). It seems the Lord spent the night in Bethany and most likely spent the Sabbath with friends (Matthew 26:6; John 12:1, 9-11). Bethany is where Lazarus lived, died, and lived again (John 11). Mary and Martha also lived in Bethany. (Source: Barnes Notes Commentary)
The Mount of Olives is about 1 mile in length, 700 feet in height, has 3 peaks with the center peak being the highest. This would provide an excellent overlook of Jerusalem. Quite the view!
It is from this vantage point that instructions are now given to go get a colt and to be certain the owner has knowledge of the situation.
Jesus Fulfilled His Word (Matthew 21:5)
Zechariah 9:9 prophesied this event of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt. When Christ appeared in Jerusalem, it was in meekness – not majesty. It was in mercy to provide salvation. Jesus did not even use the colt brought for His use without the owner’s consent.
Meekness and mercy marked the way of Zion’s King. How wrong covetousness, pride, and ambition ought be among Zion’s citizens!
Jesus Led to Obedience (Matthew 21:6-7)
After the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders joined the mobs who would crucify Him; however, none of them joined those who honored Jesus.
Those who claim Christ as their King must lay down their all at His altar.
Jesus Inspired Praise (Matthew 21:8-11)
The crowds applaud Jesus. Have you ever noticed how the the cry of the people changes with the cry of the day? Within one week the cry of people changes from “Hosanna in the highest!” to “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
Many in today’s culture seem to approve the gospel, yet few become consistent disciples...living out the gospel. Are you living out the gospel day after day?
What a difference a week makes! The week starts with high praise and ends in death.
Consider the events that followed His entry into Jerusalem:
He drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple (Matt. 21:12-14)
A woman anoints Jesus
The Last Supper with his disciples, final instructions are given, & He predicts His betrayal
He tells Peter he will deny Christ 3 times before the cock crows
He prays in the garden
Judas arrives in the garden to betray Him
Peter cuts off the ear of the High Priest’s servant with a sword
All the disciples run away…and Jesus is arrested
Jesus is mocked, beaten, stripped, and nailed to a cross
Jesus says 7 things on the cross – but ends with “It is finished!”
A soldier runs a sword through Jesus’ side
Jesus is buried…and 3 days later – He is alive!
He appears to many --- after His resurrection
The disciples have turned from fearful fishermen who ran away at His arrest to bold preachers of – “Jesus is the promised Messiah!”
Jesus Saves! Jesus Lives! Jesus is the answer you seek…and He is still the answer today!! Things were great – but then they got really hard…then they stayed hard – but were now amazing!
Jesus was the answer for the nobleman’s son
Jesus was the answer for a dead man named Lazarus
Jesus was the answer for money changers in the temple
Jesus was the answer for Peter at the Lord’s trial
Jesus was the answer for Saul on the road to Damascus
Jesus was the answer for a persecuted church
…but then He died…but THEN He rose from the dead!!
Jesus is still the answer…He still saves! He lives!
Jesus is still the answer for the one searching for peace
Jesus is still the answer for the one needing provision
Jesus is still the answer for the desperate wanting forgiveness
Jesus is still the answer for the confidence of eternal hope
In the hardest of times…in the most devastating of circumstances…Jesus is still the answer today!
Rejoice! Jesus Saves!!