Matthew’s account of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem unleashes a cascade of parallels with the Old Testament. First and foremost, we see Jesus associating Himself with Solomon who rode a mule triumphantly into Jerusalem. The beginning location of our Gospel’s royal parade, the Mt. of Olives, echoes battle imagery when seen against its Old Testament backdrop. The use of palm branches has a rich history in Scripture that we’ll explore. And, finally, Jesus’ actions also align Him with another Old Testament figure, that of Melchizedek who was once himself the King of Jerusalem.

In this episode discover:

- The Biblical significance of palm branches and their frequent use in royal ceremonies

- How our Gospel is a clear parallel with the Old Testament story of Solomon's accession to the throne

- The geographic starting point for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and how its location fulfills an Old Testament prophecy about God's kingship

- Another Biblical occasion when men spread their cloaks on the ground before another

- The way in which Jesus' actions subtly link Him to the Old Testament figure of Melchizedek