Jesus, "the lowly Nazarene," rode triumphantly into Jerusalem from Bethany on a colt that had been borrowed for that occasion.

In his book Stand Ye in Holy Places, President Harold B. Lee wrote: "As the animal upon which He rode had been designated in their [the Jews'] literature as the ancient symbol of Jewish royalty (Zech. 9:9) and their acquaintanceship with the might of His messianic power impressed the appropriateness of His kingly right to such an entry, they cast their garments before Him and cast palm branches and other foliage in His path as though carpeting the way of a king. What might at first have been but the humble testimony of a faithful few increased into a mighty chorus of voices as the multitude shouted in harmony: `Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord.' (Luke 19:38.) `Hosanna to the Son of David.' (Matt. 21:9.)"And then perhaps, as they remembered the angels' announcement to the shepherds on the night of His birth, they reverently repeated the theme of the angels' song: ` . . . peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.' (Luke 19:38.) And again, probably remembering the charge He had given His disciples to carry on after He would be taken from them, and as a supplication for their Master and those who would carry on after His ascension, as well as in the remembrance of the ancient prophets whom they revered, came the expressions of adulation from the multitude: `Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.' " (Matt. 21:9.)

President Lee wrote that the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was in truth but a prelude to the greater day of triumph only a few days distant. "Before His crucifixion, He spoke of His personal triumph over worldly things when He said: In me ye might have peace. In the world ye have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.' (John 16:33.) But there was yet that greater day of victory when He triumphed over death and opened the way to a universal resurrection. The Apostle Paul in exultation wrote to the Corinthians:

" `Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? . . . Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.' (1 Cor. 15:54, 56-57.)

"Today, as did the followers of Christ in past dispensations, we declare boldly that ` . . . the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.' " (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 121.)