6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. (Matthew 21:6-9 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, 1. The obedience of his disciples, and the motions of the multitude; the disciples never dispute their Lord’s commands, nor raise objections, nor are afraid of dangers, but speedily execute their Lord’s pleasure, and find every thing according to their Lord’s predictions. When our call is clear, our obedience must be speedy. What God commands we are not to dispute, but to obey. The disciples did as Jesus commanded them.
Observe, 2. The actions of the multitude in acknowledging Christ to be their king’ They cast their garments on the ground for him to ride upon, according to the custom of princes when they rid in state; and they do not only disrobe their backs, but expend their breath in joyful acclamations and loud hosannas, wishing all manner of prosperity to this meek but mighty king.
In this princely yet poor and despicable pomp, doth our Saviour enter into that famous city of Jerusalem. O how far was our holy Lord from affecting worldly greatness and grandeur! He despised that glory which worldly hearts fondly admire; yet because he was a king, he would be proclaimed such, and have his kingdom confessed, applauded and blest; but that it might appear, that his kingdom was not of this world, he abandons all worldly magnificence. O glorious yet homely pomp! O meek, but mighty prince.