And it came to pass, when the days of his assumption were accomplishing, that he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51
Jesus had been to Jerusalem several times in His thirty-three years on earth. He went with His parents at the age of twelve, causing them much anxiety, when He stayed back in the temple. He also went several times with the Apostles. I imagine He knew that there would be a last trip to Jerusalem, when He would enter in glory and then show the great love He had for all of us, through His Suffering and Death. In this painting, I consider Jesus mounting the donkey, who seems to sense something dreadful and has turned away. Jesus, unlike the donkey, is looking directly at Jerusalem. This Is what He came for. It will be a very difficult road, but He also sees the “Easter” sky beyond. There is anticipation and a hint of joy in His expression.