A Fun Day?
Matthew and Luke, writing twenty years later, are no more communicative, save for a hint that by behaving as he did the idea of Jesus as Messiah on that occasion was gaining traction among the faithful. (Matthew 21:5, Luke 19:38).
So what might Jesus have had in mind? One possibility is that he saw it simply as a diversion to lighten the mood. 'Cool it' by a touch of humour. We know his capacity to play a straight bat, to answer one awkward question with an equally awkward question, and to send many an enquirer away with his tail between his legs, so it would not be out of character. Hardly 'a kingdom for a horse', but a colt for a king? He must be joking.
If that were what he intended then to a point it worked and the day finished up with more than a touch of Hanukkah. Still no Hanukkah 'palms' but 'branches' at least, and since palms were often called 'hosannas' words would have to do. Spontaneity seems to have taken over, with Jesus entering into the spirit in a way he may never have intended, even bringing out elements of his ministry in a way he would have welcomed. That too would have been in character. Jesus loved people, had a sense of fun, enjoyed a party and at that moment in his life a little friendly adulation would not have been unwelcome.
Intended as a distraction from the wrong images it may also have proved a healthy distraction from other worries. Positively it served as a reminder of a totally different way of life, dominated not by anxiety and controversy but bringing 'health, love and laughter . . . for the good of us all'. It may have done nothing to change anything though he must have been pleased that it all passed off peacefully.
There is scant evidence that the people got the message (a different kind of Messiah) but the opposition were unlikely to have missed it. No wonder they asked Jesus to calm things down. (Luke 19:39-40). When we turn to the Fourth Gospel we can see why.