Jesus was making his way toward Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-44).
This time the journey was made openly (John7:10).
It was a special journey, a symbolic journey – a fulfilment of an ancient prophecy. The King was to come surrounded by joy and shouts of acclamation. He did. The crowds were shouting, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9).
The disciples and the crowds that followed Jesus “got it”.
They recognised the fulfilment of Zechariah’s prophecy. A righteous and victorious king had to be welcomed and acclaimed as a king. Branches were brought in, shouts were filling the air…even clothes (Matthew 21:8) were put on the ground (as a sign of absolute allegiance). “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!” (Matthew 21:9).
The Pharisees understood correctly the religious and political implications of what they were witnessing. Hence the request, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” (Luke 19:39). Spot the difference: the disciples were acclaiming Jesus as “king”…while the Pharisees were addressing him as “teacher”.
It was a special time which was to climax in the special “hour” (John 7:7; 12:23) – the hour of the great battle and victory.
It was a special time, the time of God’s coming.
Yet, Jerusalem (as a city) and the Israel (as a nation) failed to recognise the time of God’s visitation (Luke 19:44). Jesus wept (Luke 19:41).
Every day is a special time when God’s presence can be recognised. Make sure you recognise God’s time of visitation!