May 27

Behold, thy King cometh. - Matthew 21:5.

THERE is observable throughout the whole of the Redeemer’s history a wonderful combination of abasement and grandeur. This could be exemplified in various instances; but, especially, by what is called his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In one view nothing could be more humiliating than this scene. He entered in order to suffer and to die on a cross, between two thieves; and he rode on an ass. The thing itself was not degrading: it was common in the East for princes and judges to ride on asses. But let us observe the appendages here. The animal was borrowed. It was untrained; “a colt, the foal of an ass, on which never man rode.” It was completely unfurnished, and one of the company threw his garments across its back for the Saviour’s accommodation. And who were his attendants, his guards, his heralds-at-arms, on this occasion? None of the priests, or scribes, or chief citizens of Jerusalem, but the common people; who were considered as not knowing the law-as accursed. And yet here, even here, we behold his glory, “the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

For, First, The transactions had been predicted ages before by the Spirit of prophecy. Secondly, It showed the Omniscience of the Saviour, that he well knew the place and position of the two animals-the colt tied to the mother, where two ways met; and it evinced his Omnipotence, in making the owner willing to give it up for the use of a stranger. And he was surrounded with acclamations which could not be suppressed; the whole multitude of the disciples began to “rejoice, and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;” saying, “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Among the multitude were found some of the old haughty hypocrites, the Pharisees, and they immediately said, “Master, rebuke thy disciples.” It is very unseemly, besides it is liable to be very injurious. It is dangerous; it may gender a tumult. It is outrageous; it will bring all sober and rational religion into contempt. It is vanity in him who receives it, and indiscretion in them that offer it. They deserved no reply; but Jesus answered and said unto them, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”

The phrase is susceptible of three meanings; and it is not easy to determine which was the leading sentiment in the mind of the Saviour. He would intimate, first, that the silence would be vile; secondly, that it would be difficult; and, thirdly, that it would be useless. That, should they be induced to hold their peace, nothing would be gained, for others would immediately rise up in their place who would make as much noise, and perhaps a great deal more.