Many from the crowd were spreading their garments on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road.
The people, stirred with enthusiasm by Jesus’ entry, spread their garments and the branches of trees on Jesus’ path, receiving Him as King. This act symbolizes honor, obedience, and joy, just as in ancient times they welcomed victorious kings. Yet in Jesus’ case it is the reception of the King of peace, not of one who conquers by military action. The branches, especially of the palm tree, symbolize victory and blessing (cf. John 12:13), and the spreading of garments symbolizes humility and personal devotion. All this shows that the people recognized Jesus as the King affirmed by the prophets, with the sign of the salvation that was to come.