Matthew: The Prophet of Nazareth

As He made His entrance into Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken.  Unnerved, people were asking, “What’s going on here?  Who is this?”  The crowds answered, “This is the prophet Jesus, the one from Nazareth in Galilee.”  

 Matthew 21:10-11 [The Message]

Have you ever wanted to make a really grand entrance?  You know - the kind where you float down a huge center staircase under the watchful eyes of the glitterati.  I have never had the opportunity to attend an event that would warrant such a display, and I have neither the poise nor the chutzpah to pull it off.  Give me a book and a seat in the shadows and I will be just fine.

Jesus, on the other hand, had a very important entrance to make, toward the end of His ministry, and it was vital that it be done correctly in order for the symbolism to be clear to the people.  Going all the way back to King Saul, rulers of Israel made their way to their coronation on a very special animal that was reserved solely for the new king’s arrival.  Jesus entered into Jerusalem on the foal of a donkey, just as previous kings had done before Him.  He was proclaiming Himself King – not of Israel, but of the Hebrew people.  Our text indicates that everyone in the city was unnerved by Jesus’ arrival.  “What’s going on here?  Who is this?” they asked each other.  The answer:  the prophet Jesus.

The word “prophet” means “one called by God,” - a person called and qualified to be a spokesperson for God.  “A prophet was mainly a teacher of righteousness, spirituality, and ethical conduct – a moral reformer bearing messages of instruction, counsel, admonition, and warning.”  [Bible Dictionary, 1960]   Jesus was uniquely a prophet: after all, none is more qualified to speak for God than God Himself.  He rode into Jerusalem as both prophet and King – following the pathway that would lead to the cross.

All glory, laud and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King

To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David’s royal Son,

Who in the Lord’s name comest, the King and blessed One.