But then he learned that his friend Lazarus from Bethany is ill. Jesus immediately went there but arrived four days after his death and the funeral. The sisters of Lazarus, Martha and Mary rebuked him saying that if he had arrived on time, Lazarus wouldn't have died. Martha told him: "Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn't have died. But I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you. "
Scripture says that God wanted Lazarus to die, to manifest his power through him. When Jesus came to the tomb, he called Lazarus: "Lazarus, come forth." And Lazarus promptly came wrapped in canvas and with cloth around his face. Everyone who saw this, believed that Jesus is the Son of God. This act gave further glory to Jesus. And he went back to Jerusalem.
When he arrived at Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples in Vitfagija to bring donkey (ass) and a donkey. He told them: "Go to the village in front of you and you will immediately find a tied donkey and a colt with her; Untie them and bring them to me. And if someone ask you something, you tell them Lord needs them and that he will immediately send them back ".
Students brought the donkeys, and then put their garments on colt on which Jesus sat, thus entered Jerusalem greeted by the crowd.
This welcoming to Jesus in Jerusalem was a consequence of his great popularity among people which increased even more after the resurrection of Lazarus. The question is why Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey?
Interpreters of Scripture say that in the eastern nations, donkey was a symbol of peace versus horses that were used to fight in wars. Donkey peacefully served man as Jesus served people. Crowd welcomed Jesus with flowers, willow branches and their clothing littered the road and sang: "Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of God. Hosanna in the highest."
With Lazarus Saturday are connected many customs and songs known as lazarski. Songs were performed by girls in groups which were going to the houses and met people. The girls sang a special song for each person, depending on their age and social status and for that they received gifts, usually money. In these songs is glorified the person, progress in the family is desired, health and happy life of the individual.
Holidays Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday are associated with spring, with the appearance of flowers, especially Lazarski songs mostly contain family motives and wishes for progress of the individual and his family.
