One of the things that stuck out to me most in this passage was that Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on a colt. What significance does this hold?

I found that in those days, when someone would arrive in a city on a colt, it was a sign that the person was a person of peace, and was not necessarily always wealthy. As followers of Jesus, we know this to be true for Him during this visit. The prophesied Prince of Peace entered Jerusalem in peace [Zechariah 9.9], and in the same manner, was led to His crucifixion in peace [Isaiah 53.7]. And through this act of humility and love, Jesus, our Priest, offered Himself up as the ultimate sacrifice and would become propitiation for God’s wrath, which would redeem our relationship with God, and reconcile us back into His presence with a welcomed confidence [Hebrews 2.13; I John 4.10; Hebrews 4.16]. What a gift.

But in reading this, I was immediately downloaded with a reminder that brought so much hope--a reminder that this story doesn’t just stop at this entry that led to the cross. No! Our Jesus might have entered here on a colt, showing His peace, but soon, on the Day of the Lord, He will come again on a white horse, revealing to all His rule and reign as a king wearing many crowns--a blood-stained, conquering King commanding the armies of heaven, waging war on all evil [Revelation 19.11-16]. This has to be my favorite description of Messiah. Maranatha.

So, I ask this: how are we obediently paving the way for His second triumphant entry?

[Luke 19.28-40]

28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Where else had Jesus entered somewhere with humility and not-so-much grandeur? [Hint: think about 33 years before this account…]

+ Why is Jerusalem so important? When did the journey here begin and gain this importance? [Luke 9.51-56]

+ What did the Jewish people believe it meant that Jesus was arriving in Jerusalem?

+ Did Jesus know what was going to happen in Jerusalem? Why would He continue on through His mission even while it brought Him angst?

+ How do you suspect the owner of the colt knew who the disciples were talking about?

+ What is the significance of the cloaks being laid on the colt? On the road?

+ What are the key differences between the response of the disciples and of the Pharisees?

+ How do you feel immediately after reading Jesus’ response in v. 40? Think about the context...His disciples are praising Him as King, and the Pharisees are telling Him to rebuke them...

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do I think about Jesus’ entry and respond in the same way as these disciples?

+ Do I live life now paving the way, preparing, anticipating, and yearning for Jesus’ Second Coming? How might this look as a disciple 2000 years after this account, and having all of the teachings of Jesus?

+ Am I amongst the disciples that were once parading Him into the city, but were then the same people in the crowd chanting “crucify Him!” just days later?

+ What does the last question prove about the normal church crowd? What does this show about the Jewish people’s beliefs of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem? What does this show about our beliefs of Jesus? Really think about these possibilities...

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who might need to be reminded that Jesus’ story doesn’t stop at a man hanging from a cross? But that it continues on to reveal a blood-stained, conquering King wearing a crown, riding on a white horse? A Groom, jealous for His Bride.