The Way
The Procession of Palms
A king on a young donkey, weeping over the city
Story
They had come to the foot of the Mount of Olives, near Bethphage and Bethany. Jesus sent two disciples into the village ahead and told them, you will find a colt tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you why, say, the Lord needs it. When the disciples brought the colt and threw their cloaks on its back, Jesus quietly sat on it.
Pilgrims who had come for Passover spread their cloaks on the road and came out carrying palm branches. Hosanna. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. The shouts rolled down the slope of the Mount of Olives and echoed up to the city walls. Some Pharisees in the crowd pressed him. Teacher, rebuke your disciples. Jesus answered. If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.
As the road turned downhill and the city spread out before him, Jesus looked at it and wept. If only you had known on this day the way to peace. But now it is hidden from your eyes. This cheering city, not recognizing the time when God had come to it, was walking toward the ruin that was coming.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
If only you had known, even today, the way that leads to peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes.
I tell you, if these fall silent, the very stones by the road will cry out instead.
For you did not recognize the time when God came to visit you.
If anyone asks why you are doing this, say, The Lord has need of it.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Mt 21:1–11 · Mk 11:1–11 · Lk 19:28–44 · Jn 12:12–19
Background
Zechariah 9:9 foretold that the king of Zion would come humbly, riding on a donkey. Matthew and John read this entry as the fulfillment of that prophecy. Palm branches stood for national victory and liberation.
Pause and Reflect
Am I trying to follow only the Jesus I want him to be?