Prophetic Actions

Matthew 21:8-11

“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 heaven!” 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 entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey to His fate.  The crowd received Him as they would have received a king (2 Kings 9:13 and Maccabees 13:51).  The religious authorities would receive him as a criminal.

Jesus’ actions in Jerusalem were deliberate. They were prophetic actions designed to awaken the minds of those who witnessed them.  Prophets often acted in such ways when words were insufficient.  

Jesus was in Jerusalem to openly proclaim himself as the Messiah.  His time had come, but his prophetic actions were not designed to capture a worldly throne.  

They were designed to lead him to the cross.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)