Matthew 21:1-11 - Entrance to Jerusalem (Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014)

Jesus is from Nazareth, which is about 100 kms. from Jerusalem.  That would take about five days' travel by walking.  Even if Jesus was a miracle worker and spoke like the prophets, his message would not have national impact unless it was heard and his miracles performed in Jerusalem, the religious capital.  (Think of a powerful and charismatic leader who preached, say, in Pozorubio; he would have to go to Manila for his message to be heard).

Jesus arrives in Jerusalem riding a donkey, which is regarded as an animal of peace, compared to the horse which is an animal of war.  Palms were placed on his path because it was customary in many lands during Biblical times to cover the path of those regarded with honor.  (Sometimes, one's clothing is also placed on the road).

"Hosanna" means "Help (or save), I pray" and "highest" would refer to God. Thus "Hosanna in the highest" would mean "Help me  O God, I pray."

This gospel passage is about the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem where his mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God will reach its climax.  He is welcomed as a savior to proclaim peace, and not as a militaristic messiah.  Jesus' mission and message comes from God.

Source:

- Raymond E. Brown et al (eds), The New Jerome Biblical Commentary (New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1990), 969-970.

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Sunday



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Matthew 21-1-11

When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her.

Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.” This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:

Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them.

The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying:

“Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”