Ride On

March 26 Ride On John 12:12-19

“The nearer the time of Christ’s death approached, the more necessary was it that His name should be known everywhere, as a preparation for a fuller faith after His death. In particular, the Evangelist relates that the recent miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus became very widely known. Since Christ had shown in it a striking proof of His divinity, God wanted it to have many witnesses.” John Calvin “Commentary on John” Vol. 5:28

For the first time in His ministry, Jesus consented to be part of a parade. He, and His disciples, had agreed to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem, as tradition required. So they set off to cover the short distance from Bethany to Jerusalem, accompanied by many of those who had witnessed the raising of Lazarus. This event had caused significant numbers to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. They saw His entry into Jerusalem as an opportunity to proclaim Him as God’s anointed One. Branches were pulled from palm trees and placed before Him. This was more than a decorative motif; palm branches had come to represent the nation of Israel. Within a generation, the Jewish rebels would place an image of a palm branch upon their coins. As they threw them before Jesus, the crowds claimed Him as the Savior of the nation. He was the promised Messiah; under His rule, David’s kingdom would be restored and the people would finally be free.

At some point a young donkey, a colt or a foal, was found for Jesus to ride. It wasn’t very fitting for a warrior, but they seemed not to notice. Even the disciples seem to have joined in the celebration. It was not until well after the event, looking back, that they were able to grasp the symbolism. Jesus came, not as a conquering hero, but as a suffering servant, not in arrogant power, but in meek humility. But at the time, the people could not see beyond their excitement. They quoted from the prophets. They sang Psalm 118, the “Hallal,” the great triumph song of the worshippers arriving at the Temple of the Lord.

As they neared Jerusalem, those who praised Jesus were joined by some of the thousands of pilgrims who had come to the city for Passover. Among these must surely have been some from Galilee, where Jesus had many sympathizers. Whether or not they were convinced that He was the Messiah, they must have enjoyed the spectacle. Others did not enjoy it.

The Romans must have looked on and smirked. This was a very provincial affair. To them, a triumphal entry needed a General with his army, bearing with them captured enemy soldiers, soon to die in the amphitheater or to be sold as slaves. There would also be the spoils of war: gold and silver captured from enemy cities, treasures plundered from the conquered. But the Carpenter from Nazareth rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey.

Others were not quite so dispassionate, or dismissive, in their assessment. Those who feared Jesus could make no move as He entered Jerusalem in triumph; the size of the crowd would not allow it. But they heard the references in the words that were being shouted and sung. They knew religious and nationalistic passion when they heard it. And they understood that their position would become untenable if a popular uprising anointed Jesus as King. So they plotted against Him. And they waited for an opportunity. He could not be allowed to succeed. If they did not kill Him, soon “the whole world” would follow Him. Little did they know.

For further reading: Psalm 119:57-72