Unexpectedly Jesus called for a donkey. The triumphal entry happened. The prophecy of Zachariah was fulfilled. Jesus began his descent into the city.
Luke 19:34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. 36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. 37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. 39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
The descent from the Mount of Olives started. The disciples brought a baby donkey that had never been ridden for Jesus to ride. It came over them to take off their cloaks and put them on the ground. The donkey knew where to go. Do you know where Jesus wants you to go? Let him be king and do the steering. Don’t ask Jesus “what’s up.” We should be aware; we should be faithful in these last hours.
These were the last hours of Jesus. A long road started nine months before the first Christmas. He was born and the journey began in Bethlehem in a manger inside a stable. The angels sang and praised the Lord just like these people did here that day as he descended the Mount. Verse 38 tells us they said Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. These were the same words said by the angels the night of his birth. There is still a song to sing. Jesus is still on his throne. I don’t care who wants to boast of being king. Jesus is the only true one—the I Am that I Am. The donkey became his throne that day and he’s willing to be one the throne of your heart to lead you. Nobody has to leave here without Jesus. We have no king but Jesus. He was willing to descend Olivet. From Galilee to Samaria to Jericho and beyond the borders of Israel Jesus traveled. Wherever he went the people found a King. I’m glad to know where the King is and that I can trust him. The devil is no king. He’s a fallen angel on his way to the lake of fire.
Everything Jesus had done led him to the top of the mountain at Olivet. He saw the city below and there was nowhere else to go but down. He saw the crowds. It was the beginning of Passover week. The lambs were being set aside for death on Friday. He saw the Sanhedrin meeting place and knew that after his arrest he’d be there as lying witnesses came. He saw Herod’s palace. Herod had long had it in for Jesus. In a few days Jesus would be taken there and mocked. Herod would joke and ask to see a miracle. He saw the hall of Pilate and the whipping post. He knew he’d have to stay at that post for us. He saw the Roman columns signifying the devil’s presence in the city of God. The world has no power over us if we don’t let it have it.
The people were beginning to cry out their hosannas. Jesus knew that in less than a week many of them would cry out “crucify him.” Barabbas had been sentenced to die on Friday. Jesus knew he’d die in his place, in Pilate’s place, in our place. That’s why he began the descent. The only way out was the gate to Calvary. To get there he had to descend so that he could go out carrying our sins on the cross. There was the temple. It was supposed to be a house of prayer but they had made it a den of thieves. It was the house of God in name only. He was paving the way to hang between two thieves.
Jesus saw where we were at the bottom. We were as low as low could be. If we ever need Jesus, we need him now. This is a time like no other. It’s perilous and there is no hope except in Jesus Christ. Now is not the time to hide our testimony. It’s time to cry out. I’m thankful for how low Jesus went to get me. One day we’ll leave this world behind. Jesus will descend one more time and come get us. For now, ask the Lord to come down and visit your heart and soul.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 