John 12:14–15

In these verses, we have Christs part and action in this triumph, to wit, that an asse being provided for him, he rode thereupon, to accomplish that prediction, Zech. 9 9. of which I have spoken in its proper place. Albeit this be recorded here after the other, of the peoples acclamations, and it is probable the people were come to him on the way, to the mount of Olives, or, at least, were coming on the way, before he sent for the asse, Matth. 21.1, 2. yet it is certaine that he was riding before these acclamations were. Doct. 1. When Christ manifests most of his glory in the world, he will have it seen that his Kingdome is not of this world; for, in all this pomp he rides but on a young asse, and that a borrowed one, without any furniture save his disciples cloaths, and accompanied but with a traine of base people and children; all which might appear but very ignominious to a carnal eye. 2. We are not to carve out the glory of Christs Kingdome, by our carnal conceptions and imaginations, but by his own Word; for whatever ignominy appear here, yet it is glorious and greater glory then any we could devise, in so farre as it agreeth with Scripture, and fore-going prophesies. 3. Christs Kingdome is so great a stranger to carnal glory and pomp, that any mean splendour is very much in it for this also takes off the ignominy, that this was much glory and state to him, who never used to ride before. 4. Albeit Christ became poore for us, yet he wanted not any thing as he needed it, that so he might teach his people what care he will have of them; for, albeit he possessed not so much as an asse, yet when he needed, he found a young asse, &c or obtained the use of it from the owner. 5. Christ is a faithful observer of al that is written, to see it duly performed; for he did all this, to accomplish what is written. 6. The encouragements of the Gospel are not held out unto men, to cherish security, but to be an antidote against all their fears and discouragements; for, the scope of the allowance, Zech. 6.10 to rejoyce, shout, is here summed up in this fear not 7. Albeit men do not reach the height of consolation and joy allowed in Christ; yet they are to blesse him in so far as they are keeped from crushing fear, for, so much also may be gathered from these two places compared; They rejoyce, in so farre as they feare not. 8. Christ is Zions King, who will respect her, and see her comforted, though all the world biside should sink; for it is to the daughter of Zion, this encouragement is given from her King. 9. Whatever be Zions perplexities, yet in Christ there is a remedy against all she can feel or fear; fear not, daughter of Zion, thy King cometh. 10. It is the Churches comfort; that Christ is a King to her; That he cometh to her, and seeks her to do her good; and, that after long expectation, he will at last come to give her actual enjoyment: All these are imported in this encouragement, Thy King cometh; He leaves heaven to seek her on earth, and is now not held out in the promise as coming, but is actually come unto her. 11 Christ in his Kingdome and glory is adorned with me knelle and lowlinesse; And this is the comfort of his subjects, that they have to do with such a one; for, this addeth to the comfort, Thy King cometh, sitting on an asses colt. 12. As Christs love and condescendence is admirable in it self, and to be admired by all who see it; so even the Church hath need to be stirred up to take notice of this as becometh; Therefore a behold is prefixed to this; to point out how admirable this is in it selfe, and yet how dull Zion is in remarking it, till she be stirred up and excited to it.