Jesus Rides a Donkey into Jerusalem

Bible Study Lesson; Matthew 21:1-11

In these Bible study verses about the first Easter Jesus rides a donkey triumphantly into Jerusalem on a day which is now referred to as Palm Sunday. The famous ride was the beginning of the crucifixion of Christ from the Easter Story.

1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,

2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.

3 If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away."

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 "Say to the Daughter of Zion,

'See, your king comes to you,

gentle and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' "

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.

7 They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.

8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

"Hosanna to the Son of David!"

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

"Hosanna in the highest!"

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"

11 The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Jesus is Treated Like a King on Palm Sunday

The humble king. This is the way Jesus rode into Jerusalem. Christ was recognized on this day as a king, the "Son of David".

But, the people were expecting a totally different chain of events than what really happened. They thought that Jesus had come to start an uprising against the Romans who had taken over and were occupying Jerusalem.

Christ had a different idea. Jesus was to die in the city.

The donkey symbolizes the humility of Jesus. Through all his power and glory he humbled himself when he entered the city to the cheers of the crowd.

These crowds of people were shouting "Hosanna!" which means "Save us!" Later, these same people would cry, "Crucify him!!".

We now celebrate this day of Jesus' famous ride as Palm Sunday which is held each year the Sunday before Easter.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Matthew 20:1-16 - Jesus Talks about the Workers Who are Paid Equally