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The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!" "Hosanna in the highest!" When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

The King is coming! Today these words do not have the same impact as they did in Jesus' time. Nowdays it is unusual to find many people respecting a king, or even wanting one. But at the time of this document, a King was a sign of might and power, som,ething that gave people identity and cohesion. From Zecharaiah 9 "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Only those who have nothing to lose celebrate the arrival of such a King. It is those who are holding onto power and their own identity that don't want to become subjects of such a humble king. The true King was coming into the City of Peace, but he wouldn't find any peace there!

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the LORD needs them, and he will send them right away." This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' " The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. Matthew 21:1-6

What a difficult task to carry out, and how hard to follow through with it. You'd have to be pretty sure Jesus was something very special in order to go and do this - was he really the fulfillment of the prophecy? If it happened here I would be worried that I would be accused of stealing. 'The Lord needs it' what a statement! Perhaps it was difficult for the hearers (daughter of Zion) of the prophecy ever to perceive a King being gentle and riding on a baby donkey (perhaps he would like a little silly).

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "LORD, Son of David, have mercy on us!" The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "LORD, Son of David, have mercy on us!" Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. "LORD," they answered, "we want our sight." Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Matthew 20:29-34

Sometimes I become so obsessed with what others have I start to feel I am being unjustly treated and that God is unfair. I complain and become negative. I don't see God as merciful but rather as cruel and mean - having favourites. These two men were totally different, they were happy to be alive and trusted that God would hear their plea for mercy. Even I am moved to compassion for those who ask rather than demand help. Are you grateful for what you DO have? I believe God does have favourites - those who are thankful. The picture is of the Blind Boys of Alabama - an excellent band!

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:24-28

I often find myself taking on a task out of love, and soon after I begin I start hoping that someone will give me credit or recognition. Indignant - why? Because their mother thought that she could somehow get special honour for her sons by begging Jesus for it. Jesus points out here that anyone who gets special honour will get it because they have been a servant to others, not because they have a special birthright or connections and certainly not if they are doing what they do for honour. Jesus will get the highest honour - he does what he does out of love.