The most memorable Palm Sunday sermon I ever witnessed pointed out that there were two things located in the area as Jesus approached from the east to enter Jerusalem; the temple and the fortress.
Slightly to the south was the temple, the physical center and religious symbol of their identity as a people. This temple was not the one Solomon built, but a new structure built by Herod the Great. Still, it was the cultural center of their life.
To the north, was the Antonia Fortress which was also built by Herod the Great and housed part of the Roman garrison occupying the city. The garrison was there to both protect the temple and maintain order lest anyone get any bright ideas. Foreign occupation meant that the selection of the High Priest was subject to the approval of Roman officials. The clothing required to conduct ceremonies on important religious holidays was stored in the fortress. Rome occupied not only their land, but their religion as well.
As they approached the city, the crowd grew and the noise must have as well. Many there might have understandably assumed Jesus was leading them to the fortress to confront the Romans. In their minds, this was the day. The Messiah had arrived. Freedom was just around the corner.
Instead, he heads to the temple.
Imagine the confusion, the bewilderment, the disappointment.
He knew where he needed to start, tho, and it wasn’t with the obvious power grab.