John 12:9-15

9By this time, a large crowd of Jews had heard the news that Jesus was at Bethany. So they came there to see him. They came also to see Lazarus, because Jesus had made him alive again.

10So the leaders of the priests decided to kill not only Jesus, but Lazarus too.

11They wanted to do that because many Jews now refused to obey them. Instead, these Jews believed in Jesus because of what he had done for Lazarus.

12The next day, a large crowd of people were in Jerusalem for the festival. They heard the news that Jesus was on the way there.

13So they took branches from palm trees and they went out to meet Jesus. They were shouting, ‘We praise God! May the Lord God bless the king who comes with his authority. May he bless the king of Israel!’

14Jesus found a young donkey, and he sat on it. This happened in the way that was written in the Bible long ago:

15‘Do not be afraid, you people in Zion. Look! Your king is coming. He is riding on a young donkey.’