… the disciples … brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their garments, and He sat thereon. And the most part of the multitude spread their garments in the way. (Matthew 21:6-8)
The action of the multitude has striking similarities with the men who honoured Jehu when they realised he was God’s chosen king. They hastily took their cloaks and spread them under him (2 Kings 9:13)—a symbolic gesture of submission and recognition of God’s appointment. What an unusual sight it must have been on that day in Jerusalem: garments, perhaps white and valuable, laid before animals in a pouring out of affection for the prophet, Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee (verse 11). The most part … spread their garments—a significant phrase. These clothes were trampled by hooves, likely rendered dirty or damaged, yet the people offered them gladly. It’s a challenge for us today. Some of today’s garments are seen as a must-have in our society. We have no problem bringing our burdens and trials to His feet, but could we say the same about what we count as treasure?
