Jesus’ Life: Chapter 13 – Jesus’ Final Ministry In Jerusalem
As Jesus continued his journey from Bethany to Jerusalem, he stopped at Bethpage, a village close to the Mount of Olives. There he sent two of his disciples ahead saying, ““Go to the village ahead of you. When you enter it, you will find a colt tied there that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
The disciples found the colt as Jesus described. When they untied it, the owner asked why they were doing so and they replied as Jesus had instructed. They then took the colt to Jesus and spread their cloaks on it.
Jesus sat on the colt and, surrounded by a great crowd, He made his way down from the Mount of Olives towards Jerusalem. The people rejoiced, some spreading their cloaks or palm branches in front of the colt and the crowd sang praises to God for all the mighty works they had seen saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
As the procession of people entered Jerusalem, “The whole city was thrown into an uproar”. When the people asked who Jesus was, the crowds replied, “This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:1-9, Mark 11:1-10, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19)
Thought
A time of great celebration but, once again, a humble entrance by Jesus, on a colt, into Jerusalem.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, King of Kings, Hosanna to You the Son of God, Hosanna in the Highest.
Prayer: Before a Crucifix
Behold, O Kind and Most Sweet Jesus,
I fall upon my knees in Thy sight,
and with the most fervent desire of my soul,
I pray and beseech Thee
to impress upon my heart
lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity,
with true repentance for my sins,
and a firm desire of amendment.
Whilst with deep affection and grief of soul,
I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate
Thy five most precious wounds,
having before my eyes that which David the prophet spoke,
O Good Jesus: “They have pierced my hands and feet,
they have numbered all my bones.” Amen.
