fertile lowlands around
Jericho into the bleak hills of Judea. Above the city the travelers
paused for a last look. Beyond the green plain lay the river, hidden in
a tangle of trees, bushes, and high grass. Wise travelers crossed the
river only at the regular fords because this jungle concealed wolves,
jackals, bears, and lions even this far south. The Dead Sea lay
perfectly still. Mud flats marked the place where the Jordan emptied
into it.

Andrew was glad that they traveled in a large group, for this steep road
was a favorite of robbers. In Galilee they often heard reports of
travelers being ambushed, beaten, and robbed in these lonely mountains.
In small knots the disciples argued about the outcome of the things that
had happened in Jericho. By the time they had covered the fifteen rough
miles to the outskirts of Jerusalem, the men were more deeply excited
than they themselves realized. All their hope and faith in the Master
was to be put to the test! Drawing near the holy city, the road crossed
the southern shoulder of the Hill of Olives and here the men first
caught sight of the capital city of Palestine. There were many beautiful
buildings; Pilate had just built a graceful new aqueduct through the
mountains to Jerusalem. The little town of Bethphage lay outside the
city wall. But the disciples had eyes only for Mount Zion and the
Temple. They never saw Jerusalem without a thrill. The Temple was the
symbol of their religious faith, the place where God had established his
glory. Mount Zion held the eye of every traveler who ascended to the
gates of the holy city.

Jesus called two of the disciples. "We will wait here at the Hill of
Olives," he said. "You go into Bethphage. Just after you enter the town
you will see a colt which has never been ridden tied to a post beside
the door of a house. Bring it to me. If anyone asks you what right you
have to do it, tell him, 'The Lord needs it, and he will send it back
immediately.'"

On the way to Bethphage one of the men said, "Did you know the Master
had planned to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey?"

"No," answered his companion. Both men were surprised to find that Jesus
had prepared for his visit. When they got back to the Hill of Olives,
several men took off their cloaks and placed them on the back of the
colt. Jesus seated himself on the animal, and the entire group moved
toward the gate of Jerusalem.

Pilgrims who crowded the roads stopped to watch, then recogn