We were sitting at the side of the road - near where it begins its incline toward the gate to the City. We could see the dust of the road being kicked up into a great cloud off toward Bethany. It was a sure sign that a large group of pilgrims was coming. The dust of the air began to be mingled with the shouts and cries and singing of the people.

It was a happy mob that walked by us, and surged toward the arching stone gateway to Jerusalem. They were escorting a young man into our Holy City. He was seated upon a donkey which made it appear that he was some sort of dignitary. People gave shouts of "Hosanna, Hail him who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Others were carried away with their excitement and stretched their tunics across the pathway so that the animal and his special passenger had…