Today is Palm Sunday. Jesus is making His entrance into Jerusalem and there is so much going on behind the scenes, but Jesus is in complete control.
“He said to them, “Go to the town you can see there. When you enter it, you will find a donkey with her colt. Untie them both, and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks you why you are taking the donkeys, tell them, ‘The Master needs them. He will send them back soon.’” Matthew 21:2-3 ERV
In Jesus’ latest teachings He had angered the religious leaders. They were plotting to have him killed. In fact, at one point they had picked up stones to stone Him and He simply walked away from the crowd in the confusion.
He had told His disciples that he was going to be beaten, tried and crucified. Remember that from my blog a few days back. And now they were headed back to Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover and as he knew, to His death.
“The followers went and did what Jesus told them to do. 7 They brought the mother donkey and the young donkey to him. They covered the donkeys with their coats, and Jesus sat on them. 8 On the way to Jerusalem, many people spread their coats on the road for Jesus. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Some of the people were walking ahead of Jesus. Others were walking behind him. They all shouted,
“Praise to the Son of David! ‘Welcome! God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Matthew 21:6-9 ERV
If you’ve been around horses or donkeys at all you know this could be a recipe for disaster. Being horse-back in the middle of a crowd, shouting, throwing branches on the ground in front of you, could spook even the gentlest of horses. And for it to be a mare with a young colt by herself, this was sure to unnerve horse and rider.
But Jesus…yes, He was the one who calm the sea and the wind with His words. He was the one who always preached “Don’t be troubled, don’t be afraid, peace be still”.
So, in this situation, He stayed in control and at peace. This ride into Jerusalem had been predicted hundreds of years ago.
“People of Zion, rejoice! People of Jerusalem, shout with joy! Look, your king is coming to you! He is the good king who won the victory, but he is humble. He is riding on a donkey, on a young donkey born from a work animal.” Zechariah 9:9 ERV
Jesus knew every prophecy needed to be fulfilled. This was part of the plan and He was in control.
It may seem like a small detail to you and I, but what it tells me is that whatever God has planned for me I can be at peace, knowing that He is in control and will work out everything for my good.
“ Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV
When we let the Father direct and control our lives He will be peace in the midst of chaos.