The Two Entries Into
Jerusalem.
This Is
Appendix 153 From The Companion Bible.
Most "Harmonies" assume that because each Gospel
records an entry of the Lord into Jerusalem the four accounts must be
identical because they are similar: and therefore conclude
that because they differ in certain particulars there are "discrepancies".
Whereas, if we treat them in their chronological sequences, and have
regard to the antecedent and consequent circumstances, the supposed
discrepancies will disappear, and the similar, but diverse, expressions
will be seen to be necessary to the different events.
In this present case, one entry (Matthew 21:1-9)
takes place before the other, which is recorded in (Mark 11:1-10,
Luke 19:30-34,
and John 12:12-15).
1. In Matthew the Lord had actually arrived at
Bethphage. In Luke He "he was come nigh" (engisen);
in Mark "they were approaching" (engizousin).
2. In Matthew the village lay just off the
road (apenanti); in Luke and Mark it was below
them, and opposite (Katenati).
3. In the former, two animals were sent for
and used; in the latter, only one.
4. In the former, the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9,
which required the two animals, is said to have been
fulfilled; in latter, the prophecy was not said to be
fulfilled, and only so much of it is quoted (John 12:15)
as agrees with it.
5. The former seems to have been unexpected,
for "all the city was moved, saying, 'What is this?' "
(Matthew 21:10,11),
while, if there was only one entry, the two accounts are inexplicable,
seeing that the later and subsequent entry was prepared for
: much people in the city "heard that He was coming", and
"went forth to meet Him" (John 12:12,13).
The latter, therefore, was the great formal entry of the Lord, called
"the Truimphal Entry", which took place on what is called
"Palm Sunday".
The first had special reference to the whole work of His mission. He
came on the ass with its unbroken colt, the clothes being put some on
one and some on the other, and the Lord sitting on "them"
- the clothes (not on both beasts). He came to cleanse the
Temple, and make His final presentation of the King and the Kingdom.
But when He came on the one-an ass's colt-it was in judgement, to
pronounce the doom on the city; and on the nation.
When He appears again it will be to a nation which will then say (as
the result Zechariah 12:10):
"Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord"
(Matthew 23:39).
For the events of the "six days before the Passover",
see Appendix 156; and the note on the
various passages.
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