The humility of Christ is a central theme in the New Testament, exemplified profoundly in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This event, recorded in all four Gospels, marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' earthly ministry, showcasing His meekness and fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.

Biblical Account

The account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is found in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, and John 12:12-19. As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He instructed His disciples to fetch a donkey and her colt, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

Symbolism of the Donkey

In ancient Near Eastern culture, a donkey was a symbol of peace, in contrast to a horse, which was associated with war. By choosing to ride a donkey, Jesus deliberately presented Himself as a King of peace, not as a conquering warrior. This act of humility was a direct challenge to the expectations of a militant Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule. Instead, Jesus embodied the spiritual deliverance and peace that His kingdom would bring.

The Crowd's Reaction

As Jesus entered the city, the crowds spread their cloaks on the road and cut branches from the trees, laying them before Him. They shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" and "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 21:9). The term "Hosanna" is a plea for salvation, and the title "Son of David" acknowledges Jesus' royal lineage. Despite the crowd's acclamations, Jesus remained humble, fully aware that many of these same voices would soon call for His crucifixion.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a deliberate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, underscoring His role as the promised Messiah. Zechariah 9:9 highlights the dual nature of the Messiah as both a humble servant and a victorious king. By fulfilling this prophecy, Jesus affirmed His identity and mission, emphasizing that His kingdom was not of this world but was characterized by humility, service, and sacrifice.

Contrast with Earthly Kingship

The humility of Christ stands in stark contrast to the earthly concept of kingship. While earthly rulers often seek power, prestige, and dominance, Jesus demonstrated that true leadership is marked by humility and selflessness. His entry into Jerusalem was not accompanied by military might or political fanfare but by a simple procession that highlighted His servant nature.

Theological Implications

The humility of Christ in His entry into Jerusalem serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of God's kingdom. It challenges believers to embrace humility in their own lives, following the example of Christ. Philippians 2:5-8 encapsulates this call: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."

In His entry into Jerusalem, Jesus exemplified the humility that would define His path to the cross, inviting all who follow Him to walk in the same spirit of meekness and obedience.Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on an ass, and on a colt the foal of an ass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 21:5,7
Tell you the daughter of Sion, Behold, your King comes to you, meek, and sitting on an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Huss and Jerome
... of the gospel, Huss spoke with deep humility of his own ... robe, he said: "Our Lord
Jesus Christ was covered ... His execution had exhibited to the whole world the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 6 huss and jerome.htm

Huss and Jerome.
... of the gospel, Huss spoke with deep humility of his own ... robe, he said, "Our Lord
Jesus Christ was covered ... His execution had exhibited to the whole world the ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /6 huss and jerome.htm

References
... do in embellishing the story of Jesus is exhibited in the ... 1890), Bruce, The Parabolic
Teaching of Christ, 3d ed ... the reason for the lesson in humility is apparent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/references.htm

Entire Sanctification
... A fulness of humility precludes all pride; of meekness ... of littleness, dwarfishness,
and emptiness, is often exhibited. ... So, then, the death of Christ and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clarke/entire sanctification/entire sanctification.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ...
... to energetic admonitions to humility and unselfishness. ... a spirit favourableto
proselytism is exhibited in Jewish ... to understand the precise allusion of Christ. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the third day.htm

Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... of retiring habits and much personal humility, he was ... as no less a sacrifice
commemorative of Christ's oblation of ... example of Jeremy Taylor in his 'Holy Living ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm

The vision of Paul.
... And in that same hour the souls were exhibited in the ... pride prevent them from entering
into the City of Christ? ... of God who came to the Jews with much humility? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the vision of paul/the vision of paul.htm

Book Ten from Autobiography to Self-Analysis. ...
... I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth ... laid his hands mystically crossed
upon his grandchildren by ... for all those strange sights exhibited in the ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book ten from autobiography to.htm

Book Twelve the Mode of Creation and the Truth of Scripture. ...
... O my God, thou exaltation of my humility and rest ... excellent way of love; and who
bows his knee unto ... may come to the surpassing knowledge of the love of Christ. ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book twelve the mode of.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... which, during the French Revolution, was exhibited as a ... and been exhorted to reverence
and humility, joined the ... the grace of God, in Jesus Christ; an outline ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

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