Hosanna

You gather quite a crowd when you raise someone from the dead.

For three and a half years, Jesus' fame and following had been growing throughout the Galilee and down to Jerusalem. The throngs only grew when He raised Lazarus from the dead not two miles from the holy city. As He approached with His disciples to celebrate the Passover, the Romans braced for yet another messianic rebellion. Would-be Messiahs had been rife, due to the ancient prophesy of Daniel finally coming of age. Yet Jesus arrived on a donkey.

In ancient times, a king approaching a city upon a horse meant war; approaching upon a donkey meant that the king came in peace. By entering Jerusalem in this way, Jesus both mollifies and antagonizes the Roman and city authorities; He will not raise rebellion, but He presents Himself as King -- and is welcomed as such into the city, where the people proclaim Him as the Son of David and heir to David's throne. And they cast their coats and palm branches before Him on His way.

Holy Week has begun.