But Jesus answered, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!"

Can you imagine it? Can you see it? A man - a rugged carpenter wrapped in peasant clothing riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. This was no ordinary man of course - no, far from it; in fact, He was our King. Jesus had the appearance of an average Joe in that time, but He was far more, and the people knew it, at least for a little while. As He rode into the city, the crowds both with Him and ahead of Him spread their cloaks and branches cut from trees along the road in praise; you see, they knew this man. They had heard of and seen the many miracles, the healings, and the teachings this man gave to all those who inquired of Him, who listened - who believed! It was almost as if He were God Himself; and of course, He was - He is! This entry; a triumphant entry, was foretold by the prophets of old thus fulfilling the prophecy that our King would ride into the holy city........on a donkey - A DONKEY! I imagine He could have rode in on a gallant, brilliant white horse, dressed in the finest clothes, and draped in elegant jewelry; or at the very least, a crown of gold. Maybe He could have just floated into the city further showing His power - His Deity. But that isn't our God, and certainly wasn't the impression Jesus wanted to give. You see, He wants love - even longs for it. He wants to be praised by His creation, but will not impose it upon us, and certainly will not glamor us into believing He is worthy of our love and praise; therefore, He rode in on a donkey, wrapped in peasant clothing. During His entry to Jerusalem, the disciples shouted in praise "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" They understood the importance of this moment; the fulfillment of prophecy, and the glory of their King. However, they were contested by the Pharisees as they called out to Jesus and said "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" They did not want to hear such praise, such blasphemy from the lips of men for a man. No, not this man who taught with the authority of God and forgave sins. Only God could do such things, and of course He could not be - you see, He was wrapped in peasant clothing, and rode into the city on a donkey. The Pharisees had long hated Jesus and His ministry, even plotted to kill him; they were in no uncertain terms going to praise Him - a man who loved sinners, taught with authority, and called the law into question while asking for a genuine heart instead. No, they could not, would not praise Him; instead, they called out to Him and said "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" Did he? No! In fact, what Jesus said next was one of God's most powerful teachings in all of scripture. To the Pharisees Jesus replied "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!" In that simple word from one who was both fully man and fully God came a powerful truth. All of creation belongs to God, and all of creation shall praise Him. This moment, entering Jerusalem, was crucial to Gods plan to the salvation of all believers, and to the story He has chosen to tell. And at this moment, praise would be given, if not by man, then by the stones of the ground - who were each created by Him, and thus recognize and praise Him as such. It's amazing to think that all things created know and have the ability to praise the one who gives life; in fact, I doubt I will ever look at a stone in the same way again. Consequently, this word from Jesus helps me to further understand Gods word in Philippians "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord". I will continue to love and praise God the rest of my days, and am eternally grateful to the one who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey wrapped in peasant clothing, as I know He is my King, and He took that ride for me. Praise the Lord Jesus forever and ever!

Sam Jones
First is the Kingdom!