The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 2 — Section 332

Vers. 6-11.-The triumphant ride, This was arranged by Christ, and enthusiastically promoted by his disciples. Here W&S a last glint of sunshine before the storm. The gladnell:' of th? scene is in stran~e contrast with ~he awful sequel. Palm Sunday ushers m Passion Week. "Sufficient unto the day 1s the evil thereof," While the evil day has not yet come, gladness and the assurance of victory may be the best prepare.t.ion for it. I. THE KmG'e TRIUMPH. Few spectators would see anything kingly in this rustic fete. To the ruling classes of Jerusalem it would seem but child's 1ilay, Dut to the childlike follewers of Jesus it had a deep meaning. These Galilrean pilgrims recognized in it the acceptance by Jesus of his royal rights. The question arises-Were they mis• taken? He was riding in triumph to Jerusalem. But it was a simple, homely, unconventional triumph. Moreover, it did not lead to the throne, but its promise ended at Calvary, or seemed to end there. We know that the issue was disappointing to the early disciples (Luke xxiv. 21). Nevertheless, we also know that, with Jesus, the way to death was the way to victory. He was most kingly when he suffered most. His Passion was his coronation. He reigns now in the hearts of hispeople,just because he died for them. II. THE PEOPLE'S ENTHUSIASM. Long-suppressed emotions now break forth into unrestrained utterance. It seems to be impossible to do too much, in the hastily improvised procession, to show devotion to the Christ. This is expressed in two ways.' I. By actions. Garments laid on thu animal he rides, garments fiung on the road for the honour of being trampled on, sprigs from tke wayside trees scattered on the ground,' palm branches waved overhead,-these things show the utmost enthusiasm. Strong feeling must manifest itself in action. 2. By words. The people quoted a well-known Messianic psalm, praying for a blessing on the Christ. Their words had nearly the same mea.ning as our "God save the king I " and they were prompted by an over- mastering passion of enthusiasm. This is not at all wonderful. The only wonder is that there was but one Palm Sunday, and that our Lord's last Sunday on earth before his death. To know him is to see grounds for unbounded devotion, for love beyond measure, for glad praises which no words can contain. This is the great distinction of our Christian faith, its key-note is enthusiasm for Christ, lIL THE OITY's WONDER. The happy, noisy procession was heard in Jerusalem, and the citizens looked np from their trades and forgot their bargaining for a moment, in surprise at the unexpected commotion. We may preach the gospel by singing the praises of Christ. One reason why the world is apathetic about Christianity is that the Church is apathetic about Christ. A fearless enthusiasm for Christ will arouse the slumbering world. But we want to go further. In Jerusalem the effect was but slight and transitory. A deeper and more permanent impression was made at Pente- cost ; for it is the coming of the Holy Spirit, and no merely external excitement, that really touches and changes the hearts of people. Yet even this did not move the greater part of Jerusalem. Rejecting the peaceful coming of Christ, hardened sinners await his next coming, which is in wra.th and judgment.-W. F. A. Vera. 12, 13.-0hrist deansing the temple. According to St. Mark's more detailed account, Jesus" looked round" on the day of his triumphant entrance to Jerusalem, and effected his drastic reformation of temple abuses on the following morning. Thus we see that his action did not spring from a hasty outburst of passion. It was the result of deliberation. He had had a night in which to brood over the shameful desecration of his Father's house. L THE DEBEOBATION. L The ,uuure of it. It would be a mistake to suppose that the temple was being used as a common market. The animals sold were not to be treated as meat at the shambles. They were for sacrifices. The money-changing was not for the convenience of foreigners wanting to be able to do business in the city with the current coin. This was carried on in order to provide for visitors the Hebrew 11hekel with which to pay the temple dues. Therefore, it was thought, the business was of a religious character, and could be carried on in the tem-ple as part of the sacred work. AllimalB were sacrificed there: why should they not be sold there? Money was collected there: why should it not be exchanged there? 2. The evil ?fit. (1) It interfered with worship. The outer courti; of tho temple were used for private pray~. ou, XXI, 1--46.] THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. 337