Matt. 21:9; 23:37-39; Psa. 118:22-26, Welcoming Jesus

We are considering these two passages in Matthew because they both refer to Psalm 118:26.  The context for Mt. 21:9 is, of course, still the Triumphal Entry.  Jesus is offering Himself as King to Israel.  It is not just a “symbolic” entrance.  Even though He will be rejected, it is still a genuine offer.  He is fulfilling the Zechariah prophecy we studied in our previous post. 

Furthermore, in Mt. 23:39, Jesus Himself again speaks these words from Psalm 118.  You will see me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ They were just saying these words; why will they need to say them again?  The answer, of course, is because of the rejection.  Jesus will again come to Jerusalem to establish His reign and He will be welcomed. 

The question we need to ask now is this: is Psalm 118 a Messianic Psalm?  Did the Jews consider it Messianic?  Psalm 118 might sound, at first, like a typical Davidic Psalm where he is trusting the Lord for help against his enemies.  But when I read I can see Jesus saying these words during the sufferings in Jerusalem.  The LORD is for me among those who help me (v7).  All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them (v10).  The right hand of the LORD is exalted (v16).  Then there are the powerful verses (22-24) which Jesus will apply to Himself later in Mt. 21.  Lastly v26, which Matthew records being on the lips of the people, connected with the words as, Hosanna to the Son of David.  It appears that the people themselves believed that Jesus was coming in fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.

Edersheim (p1040) points out that the words of 118:25-28 were commonly used to welcome people to Jerusalem at Passover time.  In other words, they typically may not have considered this passage to be specifically Messianic.  We should also note, however, that Psalm 118 was (and is) read near the end of the Passover seder.  For Christians, that provides another connection to Jesus, our Passover Lamb.

In summary here is what we see concerning Jesus’ welcome to Jerusalem by the people.  The leadership did not welcome Him as Messiah.  But the people did according to Matthew’s account.  Then Jesus applied the welcoming words to Himself when He spoke to Jerusalem, that you will see me no more until you say these words of welcome and acknowledgment of Me.

The welcome given to Jesus by the people is to be contrasted to the cry of the leaders later in the week, Crucify Him!  May our welcome be genuine.  As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him (Col. 2:6).