It was Sunday—the day we now call Palm Sunday. Without a doubt, this was not Jesus’ first visit to Jerusalem. As a devout Jew, Jesus would have gone to Jerusalem every year for the three great feasts (Luke 2:41-42; John 2:13, 5:1). In the past 3 years, Jesus had also ministered and taught in that great city. But His coming into Jerusalem this Sunday was radically different.
By riding a young donkey into Jerusalem at a time when thousands of worshipers were coming into the city, Jesus deliberately put Himself in the center of attention (Matthew 21:9-11). It was dangerous for him to enter Jerusalem, for there was a conspiracy to arrest and murder Him (John 11:57; Mark 14:1). But this ride into the Holy City was His “coronation” as King (Matthew 21:5), and the crowd acknowledged Him as the Davidic Messiah, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9 NIV), meaning “Save us, we pray, Son of David.”
Why would Jesus take the place of prominence before thousands of people when for the past 3 years He had deliberately kept a low profile? (John 6:15, 7:10, 11:54). Why would He accept the people’s proclamation that He was King, just 5 days before His death?
Matthew says that this took place to fulfill a 500-year-old prophecy (Matthew 21:4-5) that God’s chosen king would come into Jerusalem “righteous and victorious, yet . . . humble . . . riding on a donkey’s colt” (Zechariah 9:9; see also Genesis 49:10-11).
This was a truly unusual way for a triumphant king to enter a city. Conquering rulers normally rode on mighty stallions. But Jesus wasn’t riding a warhorse. This reveals what kind of King Jesus is. He came in meekness and lowliness. Jesus came, not for war, but to establish peace between God and us (Acts 10:36; Colossians 1:20-21).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 12:1-24
More:
What does Zechariah 9:9-10 say about Jesus’ kingship and reign?
Next:
How would you answer the question: “Who is this?” (Matthew 21:10). What kind of king is Jesus to you today? How can you honor Him as your King?
unclegene on April 17, 2011 at 12:50 pm
From ODB – “Who is Jesus?” Although we can’t pave His way with palm branches or shout praises to Him in person, we can still honor Him. We can discuss His remarkable works, assist people in need (Gal. 6:2), patiently bear insults (1 Peter 4:14-16), and love each other deeply (v.8). Then we must be ready to answer the onlookers who ask, “Who is Jesus?”