DAY 24 of #100daysofJesus
A study of the four gospels of the New Testament suggests that much of Jesus' ministry occurred amidst opposition, skepticism, and persecution, especially by those in power (Jews and Romans). I enjoyed reading about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem towards the end of his ministry. This event is recorded by all four authors of the gospels, and while brief, it does make me happy to know that some jubilant fanfare was given to Jesus during His life.
In this event, Jesus fulfilled prophesy by entering Jerusalem on a donkey. The people, many of whom were pilgrims in Jerusalem preparing for the Passover, had heard Jesus was coming and were prepared to meet Him and celebrate the arrival of the true King entering His royal city.
Because this gathering was peaceful, the Romans let it be, but the Pharisees and scribes boiled with envy and anger.
If feels a bit out of character for the humble Jesus to allow such fanfare. I really like how James Talmage explains this in his book, Jesus the Christ:
"Such triumphal entry of Jesus into the chief city of the Jews would have been strikingly inconsistent with the general tenor of His ministry in its early stages. Even the intimation that He was the Christ had been made with guarded care, if at all; and every manifestation of popular regard in which He might have figured as a national leader had been suppressed. Now, however, the hour of the great consummation was near at hand; the public acceptance of the nation’s homage, and the acknowledgment of both kingly and Messianic titles, constituted an open and official proclamation of His divine investiture. He had entered city and temple in such royal state as befitted the Prince of Peace."
There was no more skirting about the fact that the Messiah had come. It was now boldly out in the open for all to witness. Jesus was and is the prophesied Messiah!
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