“The multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest”— Matthew 21:9.
NONE but the Holy Spirit could have foreseen the crucifixion of our Lord following so soon after what is often called “the triumphal entry.” Actually, it was not the nation that officially acclaimed Him as the promised King on that historic Palm Sunday. The leaders fiercely resented the homage paid Him and voiced their opposition in no uncertain terms. But to Jesus this welcome by the “little ones” was as a cup of cold water to His spirit after the bitter hatred He had experienced. He had given thanks before to the Father that “these things”— the mysteries of the kingdom—were hidden from the wise and prudent and revealed to babes (Matt. 11:25). In the reception accorded Him as He rode into the city of Jerusalem, this was confirmed.
For one brief moment Jesus was acknowledged as the rightful Heir to the throne of David (Luke 1:32). But the time had not yet come for Him to assume that throne. Not until He returns in glory will He build again the tabernacle of David that is thrown down (Acts 15:16; Amos 9:11, 12).
“Hail to the Lord’s Anointed:
Great David’s greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed,
His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression,
To set the captive free,
To take away transgression,
And rule in equity.”
—James Montgomery.