(35) And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. (36) And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. (37) And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; (38) Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Luke 19:35-38

Explanation:

When Jesus sat on the donkey coming into Jerusalem, He was saying something about Himself.
First, He was identifying himself as king. When Jesus rode in on a donkey, He did what others in the line of David had done when going into their coronation. As we have already mentioned, this was foretold in Zecheriah 9:9. Jesus is coming in as the triumphant, yet humble, king. Spreading out garments on the road would have been recognition of him as king.
Second, He was identifying himself as Messiah. Someone in the line of David coming to be king was exactly what the Messiah was to be. Echos of Psalm 118 being spoken in this moment point to the fact that the people and Jesus saw this as a fulfilling of Him as Messiah.

(21)  I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
(22)  The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
(23)  This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
(24)  This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
(25)  Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
(26)  Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
(27)  God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
(28)  Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
(29)  O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 118:21-29

The multitude of disciples saw Jesus’ actions as claim to being both king and Messiah. They saw him, at least in part, as the being salvation in some sense. Although they didn’t fully understand what that salvation meant, they rejoiced in that He was bringing salvation.

Application:

We must look to Jesus and Jesus alone for salvation. When we do, we can rejoice because salvation can be found exclusively in Him. We should rejoice in His salvation for us, and share His salvation with others.

Response:

Have you looked to Jesus for salvation?