1 They were near Jerusalem at Bethphage. Jesus sent two disciples to the Mount of Olives.

2 He told them, »Go to the nearby town and look for a donkey with a cord around her neck. There will be a young one with her. Turn them loose and bring them to me.

3 »Tell anyone who asks, The Lord needs them, and right away he will allow them to go.«

4 This took place so that the words of the prophet might come true:

5 »Say to the daughter of Zion, See, your King comes to you, humble, and seated on a donkey, a colt, the offspring of a beast of burden.«

6 So the disciples did as Jesus commanded.

7 They got the donkey and the young one, and laid their clothing on them. And he sat on the clothing.

8 Most of the people spread their garments on the road. Others took branches from the trees and put them on the road.

9 Those going ahead of him and following him shouted praise: »Glory to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of Jehovah! Glory in the highest!« (Psalms 118:26)

10 When he came to Jerusalem, the people were excited. They asked: »Who is this?«

11 Other people said: »This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.«