In the church, we commemorate it as Palm Sunday, marking Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On this day, Jesus of Nazareth orchestrated a symbolic yet profound event, fulfilling the prophecy of the coming Messiah as foretold by Zechariah (Zech 9:9).
Zech 9:9 - Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NIV)
It's no mere coincidence. While Pilate oversees Passover festivities on the west side of the Temple, poised to quell any potential unrest, Jesus deliberately chooses to enter Jerusalem riding on a humble donkey, devoid of weaponry. It's a stark departure from the anticipated image of a triumphant Messiah riding on a war horse.