As Jesus mounted the donkey, the disciples created a “saddle” with their coats and spread more coats on the ground for the animal to walk on. This public display mirrors Old Testament coronation rituals (2 Kings 9:13).
The crowd, including the disciples, seemed to embrace Jesus as a political liberator—an earthly king ready to sit on the throne of David.
Jesus accepted their acclamation, not because he endorsed their misunderstanding, but because he was fulfilling prophecy.
The irony is stark: Jesus rode not in grandeur, but humility.
The disciples participated in the pageantry, basking in their vision of coming into power. They misread the symbolism.
The mention of “the whole crowd of disciples” (19:37) included not only the 12, but a wider group.
They rejoiced for the miracles they had witnessed, but their focus remained on power and earthly victory.
They saw a coming throne and a crown of gold. Jesus saw a coming cross and a crown of thorns.
Caught up in the excitement of the moment, the disciples and the crowd with them began to sing the words of Psalm 118:26, which was used as a greeting for pilgrims.
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In the psalm, however, it appears to have been originally a greeting addressed to the king as he approached the temple to worship God.
The kingdom is yet to appear (Luke 19:11), but the Chosen One who is to be King is at hand.
The refrain, “peace in heaven,” is unusual and may be a reference to the fact the kingdom is complete in heaven but has not yet made its presence manifest on earth.
It could also point to the salvation from heaven Jesus brings with him as he approaches the temple in Jerusalem.
This interpretation would echo the prophecy of Malachi 3:1 and foreshadow the proclamation of Revelation 7:9-10.
The crowd’s lack of understanding would become clear as Jesus moved closer to the cross.
Once the true nature of Jesus’ messianic vision became crystal clear for all to see, the crowd would disappear, and the disciples would abandon him.
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