THE PALM SUNDAY CROWD (Mt 26:14-27)
Prayer:
Jesus, I spread my cloak before you.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey.
Context:.
This ride into Jerusalem is a Messianic procession. Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah (9:9) that the Messiah would come as a messenger of peace, sitting on a donkey. The false Jewish belief was that the Messiah would come as a conquering general, astride a horse.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
As Jesus sat on a donkey, many people spread their cloaks on the road. Others cut down branches from the trees, placing them before him and crying out, “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the kingdom of our father David, which is to come. Hosanna in the highest.”
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken. People asked, “Who is this?” The crowds replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee. Some of the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He replied, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out.”
This happened so the prophecy could be fulfilled, “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Your King comes to you, sitting upon an ass, the foal of a beast of burden.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Jesus is a lonely prophet, entering Jerusalem on a donkey.
- He does not ride a powerful horse and he has no mighty army. Yet “all Jerusalem is shaken.”
- Some accept him with joy. Others protest. But all are aware.
- The people understand Jesus’ importance. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the Kingdom of our father, David.”
- The Pharisees refuse to accept this truth and want the voices quieted.
- The people are correct again, “This is Jesus, the prophet.” Too bad that the leaders did not listen.
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, you come to me as a messenger of peace.
- Even so, my soul is shaken.
- I cut down all my desires and place them at your feet.
- I will not be silent. I will tell the whole world who you are.
- You come only to bless me.
- You are the prophet. I thirst for your words.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ Today Jesus will come to me. I will welcome him.
+ This day, I will study Jesus’ words in the gospels.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken.