Matthew 21:1-9 "When they had come near Jerusalem and had reach Bethphage..."

Question:

Where Jesus is riding the donkey into Jerusalem to be crucified.
 

Comment:

“When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you,   humble, and mounted on a donkey,    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!   Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” (Matthew 21:1-9)   COMMENT: It is not exactly accurate to say that Jesus is riding the donkey into Jerusalem to be crucified. He certainly knows the risk he is taking, and what the outcome will be. But his vision must always be, not on the crucifixion, but on the resurrection to follow. It is to demonstrate the truth of eternal life that he comes to Jerusalem, at the height of the High Holy Days. All four gospels tell similar stories of the events of Palm Sunday. Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey—an image that would have instantly reminded the Jewish crowds of the prophecy of Zechariah: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you, triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9). Kings would be expected to enter in grand chariots, surrounded by warriors and symbols of earthly power. What the prophet tells us metaphysically—and what Jesus “acts out” in his own entry to the city—is that great spiritual power does not need tangible physical expression. Like Jesus, our own spiritual power is not of this world. It lies in—and expresses through—a quiet grace, a loving Presence. If we are truly centered in our Christ energy, the world around us will recognize its gentle power, and respond.   Blessings!

Rev. Ed