Palm Sunday
March 28, 2021
Luke 19:37–40 (CSB)
37 Now he came near the path down the Mount of Olives, and the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen: 38 Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord., Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven!
39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
40 He answered, “I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out.”
The triumphal entry is the beginning of the Passion Week. As Jesus rides in on the colt of a Donkey he is announcing to everyone His Messiahship. As the disciples join in praise with the those in the crowd would have been reminded of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 (CSB) 9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; he is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
The Pharisees understood this and told Jesus to silence His disciples for such a claim. Jesus response brings to mind a reference to Habakkuk 2:11 which speaks of the rocks of walls testifying against those who dishonestly make wealth for their house. At the very least this is a subtle condemnation of what is happening in the temple, which Jesus is about to cleanse.
The contrast of the rocks crying out in praise to God as opposed to rocks of the Temple testifying against the corruption of the religious leaders is confirmed by the embracing of Jesus of the title of Messiah!
Prayer: Dear God, fill our hearts with Praise for our Messiah. May the rocks remain silent as we Shout your Praise! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.