The Palm Sunday Procession
Following the teaching techniques of the day, Jesus planned a dramatic ride into Jerusalem so that people would make no mistake about his claim to be the Messiah, God's anointed One.
Sending two disciples ahead, he gave them specific instructions for a specific task. The colt was procured from a friend or follower who recognized the password. The choice of a donkey colt (rather than a horse) is significant. Only in war did kings ride a horse; when they came in peace they rode a colt. Thus, Jesus came to his people in love and peace, not as a conquering hero in martial splendour.
A company of pilgrims intercepted him, as he made his way to Jerusalem. Fired with enthusiasm by the news of the raising of Lazarus from the dead, they rallied around the one who had achieved this miracle. No doubt, some of them had witnessed the stupendous event.
The first few pieces of clothing laid on the colt's back would serve as a rough saddle. But those that were hurled recklessly on the ground were purely for honour and for glory.
Young and old alike had a share in this celebration and the sacrifice associated with it. One person gave the animal, others gave clothing -- and, as an extension of Mary's attitude, there were none who considered such gifts to be wasteful.
The pilgrims waved palm branches in Jesus' honour. To them, he was "the Coming One", the expected One of David's line, about to establish and earthly kingdom there and then. They shouted from a psalm often sung as pilgrims made their way to the temple at Passover, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"