MPV Commentary

Christ's Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem and Tears over the City

This event is also recorded in Matthew 21:1-11.

29-38. Bethphage was a village located along the eastern side of Mount Olivet, near Bethany.

30. The Lord had need of this donkey, which He knew would be available. Perhaps its owner was one of Jesus' disciples.

31. Jesus allowed Himself to be seated on the donkey, marking the first and only time He assumed a royal posture.

35. A vast crowd spread their garments and branches in the road, expressing admiration for Jesus that surpassed anything previously seen.

38. The people shouted, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!" This was an allusion to Psalm 118:25-26, which referred to Messiah. They also cried out, "Hosanna in the highest!" - a phrase that expressed their deepest reverence for Jesus as the promised Deliverer.

40. The crowd's acclaim was so intense that it seemed to bring peace and joy to those around them (Luke 2:13-14).

41-44. However, when Jesus looked out over the city, He wept. This was a moment of profound sorrow, contrasting with the earlier joy. Jesus' humanity allowed Him to experience both emotions freely.

42. Even at this poignant moment, Jesus thought about the peace that Jerusalem's name represented (Hebrews 7:2). His words were a lament over the city's rejection of God's offer of salvation.

43. The city was surrounded by a massive wall, four miles in circumference, built in just three days. This wall effectively cut off any hope of escape and sealed the city's fate (Josephus, Wars of the Jews 6.2; 12.3-4).

44. All this had been predicted, and it would soon be fulfilled with devastating consequences.