Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

Not far from this time a great and startling event occurred. It was the raising of Lazarus from the tomb, he who had been dead four days. Such a mighty miracle so aroused and amazed the people that the Pharisees were alarmed, who, with the priests, at once called a council; and in their deliberations they asked, “What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him; and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.” ^{34John 11:47, 48.} While a Satanic power from beneath was thus taking hold of those who were seeking to destroy Christ, a power from on high was moving the masses to glorify him, and fulfil what had been predicted concerning him.GSAM 66.1

Upon the occasion referred to above, the people turned out en masse, not only to see Jesus, but to see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. Now to them it seemed certain that Jesus was their long-expected king, and as they met him coming toward Jerusalem, seated on a colt, the words of Scripture came forcibly to their minds, “Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy king cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.” ^{35John 12:15.} A mighty shout of triumph went up from that vast throng, which greatly disturbed the cold-hearted, calculating Pharisees. Among themselves they said, “Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? Behold, the world is gone after him.” ^{36John 12:19.} To their request that Christ should stop the shouting, he replied, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” ^{37Luke 19:40.} The Lord had said of this occasion, “Shout,” and if the people did not fulfil his word, he would put a voice into the stones of the street, and they would shout; for his word must be fulfilled.GSAM 66.2