By Rena Oynes © March 25, 2018
Two donkeys walked down the road on Passover Day.
Celebrations abounded in the city of Jerusalem as many people had amassed for the week long celebration. Many either kept their distance or teemed around one called Jesus. Some were Pharisees who didn’t want others to note their allegiance to King Jesus. Others boldly proclaimed Jesus was King, the Messiah prophesied in the scrolls given to prophets (Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”)
The priest were astounded by the crowds. They were much heavier than usual.
They came to see the man they opposed and to see what all the fuss was about.
The path took on a heavenly welcomed glow for Angels surrounded the special one, the chosen one of the most high God who was called to save all.
On the path were thrown cloaks of every hue (2 Kings 1:19 They quickly took their cloaks and spread them under him on the bare steps. Then they blew the trumpet and shouted, “Jehu is king!”). Rich men cloaks and poor man’s cloaks were thrown were intermingled and unrecognizable as with joy they paid homage to Jesus.
Palm branches were thrown across the path (symbolizing submission).)
Others waved their palms to exult Jesus. Many among them had gathered to hear Jesus. Like sheep they followed their shepherd.
The masses formed as they had heard Jesus was coming on the path soon. They had already planned the words in their hearts to sing as soon as He appeared: “Hosanna!” Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord – the King of Israel!!” They could hardly wait to hear His voice of Hope once again. Others gathered out of curiosity. Still others were like vultures waiting to catch some word or wrong doing of the law. They were in their attack mode.
Those who followed their King from place to place hearts began racing, they only hoped they could catch a glimpse of Him this day. Thank goodness it was a sunny day with sunbeams filtering through the palm trees. Having arrived early, people started stripping palms leaves from the the trees and throwing them on the path along with their cloaks. Anything for their King. Some palm leaves were retained to wave when Jesus past by. Joy was mounting and songs arose among the people. Tears rolled down the cheeks of many as they stood and waited.
Straining their necks, they saw a mature donkey leading the way. What, no Jesus. Their King should be riding this donkey who had held many kings and royalty before.
Eyes searching, they saw Jesus riding on a foal. (Ezekiel 9:9 …See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a foal of a donkey.)
The mature donkey walked ahead with no one on his back. Some people thought the Lord in the scrolls would be a warrior king to destroy the enemy, their enemy, Rome. . That type of king would have ridden the mature donkey as many had ridden in times past.
Jesus, was a different type of king, who touched the sick and healed everyone who believed. Jesus who performed the miraculous. One example was multiplication of five loaves and two fish to feed thousands. Jesus who turned around lives who were outcast due to their sin. Jesus who forgave their sins. People who had had no hope, now filled with hope. They became like their master, Jesus, always serving God, always giving Him the praise. One example was the woman at the well, a woman of ill repute. She believed in what Jesus spoke and He forgave all her sins. She ran back to her village and told everyone about Jesus. She a women who no one wanted to have anything to do with became one of the first evangelist. Forgiven! Forgiven!
People who were forgiven were anxious to tell everyone around about Jesus, the one who saves people from their sins! The one who gives life and life eternally. “Go tell everyone you know about Jesus” became their calling.
That day the many who had had their lives changed by Him and were forgiven their sins were at the the celebration to honor their King. No longer was an animal, a spotless animal needed to carry the sins of the people and be killed. Before the people stood Jesus who would bear their sins on the cross in a few days.
Are you the ones who are forgiven and “Tell people everywhere you go about Jesus” or are you the ones who yet need to be forgiven by Jesus? He’s waiting! Are you ready to hear the word, “Forgiven”.
