“This took place to fulfill what was spoken” is referring to the instruction Jesus gave the disciples prior to our text and refers to the Old Testament prophecies especially in Zechariah 9:9. When you read the Gospel of Matthew you will notice he quotes a lot of different Old Testament prophecies showing Jesus is the fulfillment of them. This passage is one where Matthew shows how Jesus is the fulfillment. The phrase “Daughter of Zion” refers to the fulfillment which would take place in Jerusalem. “Zion” is one of the hills in Jerusalem and “daughters” is a manner of expression used often referring to a city during this period of time.
“Your king comes to you” this is what the Israelites were waiting for. God promised there would be a king from the line of David whose kingdom would never end. The Israelites were looking for a king who would free them from the rule of Rome, but this is not what God promised. The kingdom of Jesus would be different as expressed in “gentle and riding on a donkey”. The fact Jesus did not ride in on a horse but on the colt of a donkey reveals the kingdom would not be one of force; as most conquering kings would have done. It was to be a kingdom of our spirits being made right in the sight of God.
After being instructed the disciples were obedient for they went and brought the colt to Jesus. They “placed their cloaks” on the colt and Jesus rode it. The disciples act of putting their cloaks on the colt and the crowds laying down palm branches showed their respect and honor to Jesus. The crowds were praising God for sending a king. But Jesus was a different type of king than what they were expecting for He is the King of kings.
“When Jesus entered Jerusalem,” he created a stir just like the wise men did as they inquired where the King of the Jews was to be born for they had come to worship Him. This was the time of year when Jews from all over the known world would return to celebrate the Passover feast which was required by God for all Jewish men. Jesus entering Jerusalem in this way would bring everything to a head where a decision had to be made. The city asked the crowd the question “Who is this?” The answer brings to the forefront Jesus’ real purpose in coming to this world. Jesus had come to seek and save the lost. The people did not realize it, but the only way for them to be brought back into the right relationship with God was for Jesus to give His life on the cross. The crowd who brought Jesus into Jerusalem hailing Him as King, the Son of David, by their answer “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee”, they did not understand who Jesus is. It is true even today people do not realize Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of mankind. A thorough study of Jesus’ life on earth and all prophesies for the coming Messiah show how Jesus fulfilled them. This leaves no doubt Jesus is who He said He is. Jesus is the only way an individual will ever be in heaven. It is your choice. Accept or reject Jesus. CONSIDER THIS VERY CAREFULLY FOR YOUR CHOICE WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE WHERE YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY!!!