6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Matthew 21:6-11(ESV)

Entering Jerusalem

As we saw in the previous passage, Jesus intentionally entered Jerusalem in this way to show that He is the Messiah they have been waiting for. It was the fulfillment of prophecy. The disciples had obediently gone and fetched the donkey and its colt for Jesus to ride on. “Placing outer garments under the feet of the king was a sign of respect and submission (2 Kings 9:13). Branches, especially palm branches, were a symbol of Israel and her victories in the past.” (bibleref.com)

Son of David

All around Him people were celebrating by laying their coats and palm branches and shouting. “The crowds shout words from Psalm 118:25–26. The word “Hosanna” literally means “save,” as it is used in Psalm 118, but it came to be a cry of praise for the One who had done the saving.” (bibleref.com) “Son of David” identifies Jesus as the coming descendent of King David. The crowd recognized Him as Messiah. This is also what the two blind people called Him in Matthew 20:29.

City stirred

The whole city of Jerusalem was stirred at this event. Did they fully realize their King, their Messiah, was among them? Maybe a few did; most didn’t. Prior to His entering, according to Luke 19:41-44, Jesus had wept over the city for He knew the coming destruction in 70 AD predicted in Daniel 7. 

The prophet

They also identified Jesus as the prophet from Nazareth. They, “pictured Him as a powerful prophet like those in the Old Testament who did great miracles and delivered messages from God.” (bibleref.com) Yes, this is true. But of course we know He is much more than that. He is Messiah, Savior.

RЯeflection

• When we come to know about Jesus, we should be likewise stirred. We should wonder who He is and why He came. We should also wonder what our relationship is with Him. If you are stirred in this way, click here.