The Shape of Discipleship

²⁸ After Jesus said this, he continued on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ²⁹ As Jesus came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. ³⁰ He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³¹ If someone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘Its master needs it.’” ³² Those who had been sent found it exactly as he had said. ³³ As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” ³⁴ They replied, “Its master needs it.” ³⁵ They brought it to Jesus, threw their clothes on the colt, and lifted Jesus onto it. ³⁶ As Jesus rode along, they spread their clothes on the road. ³⁷ As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. ³⁸ They said, “Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.” ³⁹ Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!” ⁴⁰ He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”