“And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out saying, ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And the multitude rebuked them because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying ‘Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David. And Jesus stood still and called them and said, “What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto Him, Lord that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion them and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethlehem, and were come to Bethpage, unto the mount of olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find a donkey tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me, And if any man may say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them: and straightway he will send them.”
Matthew 20:29-24; 21:1-3 KJV
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the capital of Palestine, He modeled a new style for handling acclaim from the crowd. The city was wild with excitement during its peak season of tourists and celebration. In fulfillment of the prophecies of Zechariah (9:9) and Isaiah (62:11), instead of a parade of chariots and trumpets and great pomp and circumstance, Jesus rode into town on a donkey, a common beast of burden. No fancy entourage, he was accompanied only by a small band of common fisherman, two men, once blind but could now see, and even a former tax collector. It was the parade of parades for the common folk. When he got there he went into the place of worship (21:12-13) where everything but worship was taking place. He overthrew the tables of unjust business. He focused on the blind, the lame, and the children (21:14-16) and when he had completed the day’s tasks he spent the night in Bethany (21:17). Jesus’ final activities before his death were focused on those readiest to head of His love, forgiveness, and hope.