Luke 19: 29-40
As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’ “
Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying they colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As they went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in load voices for all the miracles they had seen:
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
A Thought
The crowd now believes that Jesus is the long promised king arriving in the city to take his place on his throne. The crowd of disciples were spreading their coats on the road ahead of Jesus while they were rejoicing and praising their king. This is the same crowd who in just a few days will be shouting to Pilate, “Crucify him, crucify him.” Jesus appears to be the only one that knows his betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion that must soon take place.
Our Prayer
Father help us to never forget the cost of our salvation that only Jesus could pay for each of us. You alone are worthy: praise your holy name. May we never keep quiet — we need to tell our story of your love for us, to bring glory and honor to you in whom we owe our lives. Thank you, in Jesus’ name, amen.
