Matthew 21:1-11  Jesus and His disciples.. and the multitude that was following.. all heading to  Jerusalem for the upcoming Passover, approach the city together.  Perhaps they had all been singing those songs of ascent from the Psalms.. as our pastors have been speaking on... but this ascent would be like no other... 

Jesus stops on the Mount of Olives and sends two of His disciples to fetch a donkey's colt.  Prophecy was about to be fulfilled.. "Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold your King is coming to you, Gentle and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden."  This prophecy was given to Zechariah (9:9).  The beginning of that verse is not quoted in Matthew.. "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O  daughter of Jerusalem!" 

It is a "triumphal" entrance.. because the King was coming in to conquer.. to conquer sin and death and hell.. to conquer the enemy who would no longer rule over the earth.  ". (Zech 9:10)  Salvation.. in the form of man..God, the Son... entered Jerusalem to finish the work that He had come to earth to accomplish. 

The disciples brought the young donkey.

The Lord took His place on its back. 

The people laid down their garments to honor the king.

The multitude shouted out their praises.. "Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!"

And "all the city was stirred.. " 

Father in heaven, all honor and praise and glory and power.. to You, the Almighty God and to the Lamb who is King forever and ever!  We rejoice that our King has come to save. We rejoice at the triumph of His finished work on the cross.. that He conquered death, sin, and hell.  Thank You that Satan has no claim to Your children, for Jesus paid the price of our salvation.  Thank You that our gentle and humble Lord fulfilled every prophecy and every promise.  Hallelujah! What a Savior! 

Amen.