Every time I read this passage of Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem I am struck with both the insightfulness of the crowd of disciples but also their ignorance. They have seen the miracles and heard Jesus teach; they believe that Jesus is king. And they are correct in saying so! This truly is a triumphant moment. However, their expectation of a king was that of a mighty, conquering king who would bring them freedom from the Romans. They wanted a king that would return them to the glory of the times of David. In this way, they are ignorant of the king we have in Jesus. In Jesus, we have a perfect, righteous, and loving king. One who loved us enough that he rode into Jerusalem on that day knowing full well the suffering and death that was to come. That is who we worship on this Monday of Holy Week. Let that be a reminder for us as we go throughout our day.
They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Luke 19:35-38