Matthew 21:1-17
In each of the first three gospels the passing through Jericho and the entry into Jerusalem mark the commencement of the last part of our Saviour’s journey down here. The fulfilment of Zechariah 9:9 was a fresh proof for Israel that it was indeed their Messiah who had come to visit them. It was impossible to mistake Him for another: "just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass . . ." We might rather have expected a haughty and grand king, making his entry into his capital city on a warhorse, at the head of his armies. But a king who is humble and lowly – that is a notion quite foreign to men’s ideas.
These marks of grace and gentleness in no way prevent the Lord from acting with the utmost severity when He sees that the rights of God are trampled under foot (v. 12). It should be the same for those who are His followers. The gentleness which characterises them should not exclude the firmest resolution (1 Corinthians 15:58). The presence of the Lord Jesus in the temple has several effects: firstly, immediate cleansing; but at the same time, gracious healing of the sick people who come to Him; then the praise of little children; finally the indignation and opposition of the enemies of the truth.