In many of the miracle stories, Jesus gives strict orders to those present not to tell anyone about his identity as MessiahThe word means ‘the anointed one’. The Messiah is the one believed to be sent by God to be humanity’s saviour. Many Christians believe this person to be Jesus.. We refer to this as the messianic secret.
However, as we see Jesus enter Jerusalem he is revealing his identity as Messiah. This is because he knows he has come to the end of his ministry.
He makes a grand entrance into the city on a donkey to fulfil the prophesy of Zechariah, “Tell the city of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you! He is humble and rides on a donkey and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
The crowds throw palm branches and put blankets on the road before Jesus. This shows their belief in him as the Messiah. They sing out in praise and celebration, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
We see Jesus as a very popular figure as he enters the city. It is not surprising that the disciples and his followers would not have believed that in less than a week he would be put to death.