The King Is Coming!
In the suburbs of Kyiv, Ukraine, there are burned out tanks, abandoned articles of military clothing and other items that witness to a retreating Russian army. The attempted invasion of the Ukraine capital of Kyiv by Russian forces has not only stalled, but has been turned in favor of Ukraine. The attempt to enter Ukraine by force has unexpectedly failed to go as the Russian leaders and much of the rest of the world had assumed was inevitable. Russia has found that with all its military might, it could not conquer the Ukrainian spirit and that all its violent threats against Ukraine have not been able to weaken the Ukrainian’s hearts. By contrast, in this week’s scripture (Matt. 21:1-11), Jesus enters Jerusalem, not as a military power, but humbly as Israel’s long hoped for King. As He made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and center of power, He was surrounded by crowds who welcomed Him, praised Him and shouted “Hosannah!” (save us now!). I pray that as you continue in this Lenten season, that you would open your heart to enthusiastically welcome Jesus to come in as King over your life. Amen.
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with h er colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. (Matt. 21:1-7) Jesus understood the gravity surrounding His entry into Jerusalem at that particular moment in history. His actions were intentional, and were meant to publicly presenting himself as the Messianic King. His entry riding a donkey fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah regarding the triumphal entry of Israel’s long hoped for King into Jerusalem (see Zec. 9:9). His humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey colt was a stark contrast to the type of entry that would be expected from a conquering king or general who would have ridden a mighty steed with battle gear. Again Jesus’ humility was consistent with Zechariah’s prophecy and spoke to the type of kingdom that Jesus would establish. Jesus is the servant King. He came humbly, not to be served by us, but to save us and set us free.
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matt. 21:8-9) Jesus entered Jerusalem during the annual pilgrimage of Jews observing the Passover (and feast of unleavened bread). The city was bursting at the seams with people because of visitors for the feast. His made the city a focal point for the Romans, religious leaders trying to keep the peace and the status quo. A significant number of those who pilgrimaged to Jerusalem knew of Jesus and the miracles He had done. And many of His disciples lined the road to proclaim the arrival of the prophesied Messiah and King. Those in the crowd laid down their cloaks and tree branches (John identifies them as palm fronds) in the road, showing their respect of Jesus as King (Note the reference to “Son of David”). They shouted “blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” a reference from a Messianic psalm of praise (Psalm 118:26). The crowd also shouted “Hosanna” (meaning save now) as they joined Jesus in this procession. Jesus is our King and Savior. All who are willing may come to Him and be saved now!
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matt. 21:10-11) Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem created a buzz and electricity throughout the entire city. Those who didn’t know Him were drawn to ask “Who is this?”. The answer in response was, “This is Jesus…”. Wherever Jesus enters, people notice the difference. And when they ask about the difference in your life, you should be ready to testify… “it’s Jesus!”.
All four gospels speak of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Luke’s gospel, shows an encounter between Jesus and religious leaders during this moment. They ask Jesus to quiet His disciples, because they are afraid of any perception of a Jewish uprising that could trigger a potential Roman military response. But Jesus told those religious leaders who had confronted Him, that even if His disciples were quieted, the rocks would cry out (and attest to who He is). Jesus is coming. And you have a choice to make. Will you enthusiastically acknowledge who He is and invite Him in, or will the rocks have to cry out in your stead? Will you cry out for His salvation, or will you be closed off to the change He desires to make in your life? Whatever choice you make, the prophetic, divine inevitability is this …The King is coming!
Blessings,
Rev. Glenn
