Book of Matthew - Chapter 21 - Verse 7

This verse from the book of Matthew describes the scene of Jesus entering Jerusalem triumphantly on Palm Sunday. The act of bringing the ass and the colt and placing their clothes on them was a fulfillment of a prophecy from the book of Zechariah, which stated that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This event symbolized the humility of Jesus as he came not as a conqueror on a war horse, but as a humble servant. The people of Jerusalem laid down their cloaks and palm branches on the road as a sign of honor and celebration for Jesus, recognizing him as the long-awaited Messiah. The act of setting him on the animals signified the beginning of Jesus' final journey towards his crucifixion, where he would ultimately sacrifice himself for the salvation of mankind. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' humility, love, and the fulfillment of prophecies foretelling his coming.

The theological interpretation of the verse where Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey and its colt has significant symbolic meaning. This event, known as the Triumphal Entry, fulfills the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, which states that the Messiah would come riding on a donkey. This act symbolizes humility and peace, as a donkey was a symbol of peace in contrast to a horse, which symbolized war. Additionally, the fact that Jesus rode both the donkey and its colt simultaneously symbolizes his authority as the King of Kings. The act of putting clothes on the donkey and colt to create a makeshift saddle demonstrates honor and respect. Through this act, Jesus was displaying his humility, fulfilling prophecy, and proclaiming his kingship in a way that the people of Jerusalem could recognize and understand.