From the Mount of Olives, overlooking the city, Jesus sent two disciples into the city to get a donkey and a colt. If anyone asked what they were doing, they were to say that the Lord had need for them and they’d be allowed to take them.
Jesus riding into the city fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. The disciples covered it with their cloaks. Others put their coats and branches on the road before Him. It was an honor to let the King’s donkey step on your cloak! The crowd shouted lines from Psalm 118 of honor and praise for Him.
The city was abuzz and people reported that Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth, had arrived.
Jesus went to the temple (the complex that was acres large, not the sanctuary) and drove out the money changers and sellers. The exchange doesn’t seem to be the issue. It was what they were doing outside of their temple work. He accused them of treating the temple like a hideout for robbers when it was supposed to be a house of worship (see Jeremiah 7 for more context).
Jesus continued to heal in the temple. The religious leaders saw His power and heard the children praise Him. They couldn’t believe Jesus was letting this happen. Jesus asked if they had read the Scriptures and, citing Psalm 8, said that what they were doing was perfectly in line with them. If the religious leaders weren’t going to honor Him, the little children would!
Jesus left to stay in Bethany, on the east side of the city.
Lessons to Learn:
Jesus, still outside the city, knows exactly what’s going on in the city and is in control of events there. When things look like they are falling apart in Jerusalem, remember that Jesus is in control. This account carries us into the final week of Jesus’ earthly life. Jesus knew He is headed to be crucified, but in all of it, the Lord’s will is accomplished.
The conquering king rode into Jerusalem, not on a “mighty steed” but on a donkey’s foal. The King, and His kingdom, defy expectations. Jesus had been teaching His disciples about kingdom greatness. He is being honored here, but He is about to show them that His kingship is characterized by a crown of thorns and being exalted on a cross.
Don’t let gathering in a church assembly be your “den of robbers.” If we think that doing whatever we want in our lives and then running to the assembly on Sunday morning is going to cover us, we are treating church services like a gangster’s hideout. The Lord has never been pleased with people who live ungodly lives but then go through the religious rituals. Of course, He wants our gathered worship, but it doesn’t cover up lives that are lived without regard for His will.
We are thankful to share considerations of God’s word. It’s best if you have a Bible close at hand and evaluate what we say. We always want to go “back to the Bible” for what we teach. To reach us with your questions and comments or to request a personal Bible study email us at info@backtothebiblepodcast.com.
