Q2. Riding on a Donkey

[Irmela]

Q2. (John 12:14-16) What is the prophetic significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey?

Why did he do it?

What was the effect on the crowds?

According to Isaiah 40:9 and Zech 9:9 the Messiah would come into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. He came peacefully, not as a warrior.

The time had come for Yeshuah to acknowledge openly by an obvious sign, Who He was.  Those who understood the signs, understood full well that He was the Christ, their King, their Liberator, they just understood it to be liberation from the Roman oppressors and not the Liberator from sin.

At this time there was a great crowd of people in Jerusalem. Many had heard of Yeshuah over the last 3 -odd years that His ministry had been on the go. They heard or had seen the deeds and signs that He had wrought. Some had met Him, and were already eager followers. The news of Lazarus being raised from the dead was spread among the excited crowd.  So the expectation on the crowd was electrifying. They welcomed Him into Jerusalem as their King, Who was to reign and set them free.  This was done with open abandonment. Palm branches, cloaks on the path for the donkey to walk on, shouts of HOSANNA rang free from their lips, as He was escorted into the city.  Even more He was acknowledged as the KING OF ISRAEL, COMING IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.