Short Article - Nisan 9 Entrance into Jerusalem on a Donkey

Sometime in the afternoon of Nisan 9, Jesus and His twelve disciples, who were on their way to Jerusalem, happened to meet up with the curious and hopeful crowd who thronged into Bethany to view Jesus and Lazarus.  En route, the disciples located the donkey and colt per Jesus’ instructions.  Jesus was helped onto the donkey like a king, proceeded into Jerusalem amidst rejoicing and exultation from the crowd who witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus from his tomb, Jesus being the miracle worker.  The giddy crowd couldn’t wait to receive Jesus into Jerusalem, their capital, looking to Him as a Prophet as great as Elijah and Elisha, the one who’s coming to restore their nation, puncture the arrogance of the Romans and send them fleeing with their tails between their legs.  Previously, on the day of coronation, King David, King Solomon and all Israelite kings entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.  On this special day, straddling a donkey, Jesus formally revealed Himself as the MESSAIH KING.  The whole city was aroused in unbridled excitement.  The twelve disciples couldn’t help but feeling swollen with pride.  At last this day had come when our Rabbi received His due recognition.  He was amazing, and so would we be…

It's only a 30-minute walking distance between Bethany and the Capital.  After parading a few streets in Jerusalem, Jesus resorted to walking with His disciples toward the Temple.  By this time, people who had finished all their daily ministering, sacrificial and praying activities already left, and all the courts and rooms were cleared and cleaned.  Having heard that Jesus had been received with such an enthusiastic welcome into the city, the temple guards regarded Jesus and His twelve disciples as honored guests, and allowed them to have a free roam in the temple.  Jesus belonged to the Trible of Judah.  Since He was not from the Tribe of Levi, Jesus did not enter the Sanctuary or the Holy of Holies.  Fully aware that He was to be the Sacrificial Lamb of God, Jesus prayed at the altar which was closest to the Sanctuary.

(Psalm 40:6-8)

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,

But my ears you have pierced;

Burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.

Then I said, “Here I am, I have come ---

It is written about me in the scroll.

I desire to do your will, O my God;

Your law is within my heart.

(Mark 11:11) It was in the afternoon of Nisan 9 when Jesus entered the Temple.  When He left, it was dark and Nisan 10 already dawned.  Why such precise timing?  Please read Exodus 12:1-14 which tells us that our Lord Jesus is our Passover Lamb.

Humble and meek, riding on a donkey, the king destined to suffer, was born in obscurity, lived His 33 years as a commoner; was then betrayed and abandoned at Gethsemane.  Forced to carry the burdened cross, He trudged along the road toward Golgotha, was nailed on a rugged cross, humiliated and scorned.  He drained every last drop from the bitter cup …….  After such, HE resurrected, ascended into heaven, was enthroned and glorified!!!  Likewise, we have to go through tribulation before we can be accepted into the Kingdom of our Lord.

Nisan 9 - Hymn for Meditation

Crown Him with many crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YJnVN6wdvI