This passage sees Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. We see that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a colt was prophesized in Zechariah 9:9, and that the crowds recognised him as being a Messiah or King. The shouts from the crowd and covering the ground contain both blessings and acknowledgement of Jesus’ connections to the royal lineage of David. The fact that Jesus enters on a colt is countercultural to how other kings would have entered the city. It also reminds us of the countercultural nature of Jesus’ teachings and work as a whole. At the colt itself was also symbolic of peace. The shouts of the crowd in verse 10 shows the hopefulness of the crowd that Jesus (and his teachings) would usher in peace and societal changes.
I found it a good reminder that we need to be able to recognise the peace and changemakers around us, however big or small their actions, and be able to take their lead in working for a better world. Our faith, and associated practices, can also been seen today as countercultural in an area that is widely secular; however Jesus actions and teachings were similar two thousand years ago.
King Jesus, help us to seek Your kingdom and walk in Your way, wherever we go. Amen
Elizabeth Tilley