He is at the center of His people. Is Christ the center of your life? Have you received Him by faith, confessed your sins to Him, and cried out, “Hosanna”?

Feast of Passover

The Feast of Passover was the greatest celebration in the Hebrew calendar. It marked the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. As the time of the Passover approached, the crowds moved towards Jerusalem, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. For some the journey took several days. This Passover was preceded by many great miracles of Jesus, culminating in the miraculous raising of Lazarus (John 11).  There was an added fervor and hope among the Jews who were seeking deliverance from Roman oppression.

Additionally, the first day of the week, the tenth day of the month held special significance in the Passover feast. The tenth day was set aside to select the Passover lamb from the flock (Exodus 12:3). On this tenth day of the month, Jesus, the lamb of God rode into Jerusalem on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

Christ’s entry into Jerusalem was not altogether a surprise. The events leading up to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem were a direct fulfillment of prophecy. Zechariah 9:9 exhorts, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

This prophetic exhortation was realized as Jesus made His way into the city, embodying the humility and salvation foretold. The people knew the prophesy. They sang the Psalms as they ascended the hill of the Lord. They saw the King riding on the donkey. Every word of God was coming to fruition just as He said. Jesus, the lamb of God rode into Jerusalem on a colt, the people rejoiced greatly!

The Colt

Jesus’ choice to ride on a colt, on which no one had ever sat, symbolized humility and peace. Unlike a conquering warrior on a stallion, Jesus presented Himself as a humble servant king, fulfilling the prophetic image of Zechariah. But it did more than that. This was a colt on which no one had ever sat. The first riders of such a colt would not have stayed on very long. They would have been thrown off. But this colt was immediately tamed by Christ and carried Him to Jerusalem.

No one can change the sinners heart but Christ alone.  What the world cannot do with each man’s desperate need, Christ came into the world to do and He did it, by dying on the cross for the sins of many.

The Crowd

The crowd that welcomed Jesus consisted of those who went before Him and those who followed. This throng of people expressed their adoration and reverence in several ways:

Palm branches: They laid palm branches before Him, which were symbols of victory and peace. Kings would receive such honor. Let not the dust of the ground come up and touch the king’s feet!

Clothes: They spread their garments on the road, an act of homage and submission.

Shouting: They cried out, some going before preparing the way and calling for more people. Some going behind, rejoicing in the one they are with.

The Center

At the center of this tremendous crowd, Jesus! Christ is the center both literally and figuratively in this procession. His presence amongst the people signified His role as the focal point of their hopes and faith, embodying the promise of salvation and the fulfillment of God’s plan. Salvation was riding into Jerusalem that Sunday morning. All the promises of God were yes and Amen in the person of Christ that all the multitude gathered around. For many their hopes were too carnal. They wanted deliverance from Rome. For some, their hopes were much higher.

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