Jesus’ Messianic Entry into Jerusalem
12The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors13took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!”
14Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said:
15“Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey’s colt.”
16His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him.
17Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it.18That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign.19Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!”
Jesus comes into Jerusalem welcomed like a king, or rather like The King. The people see him as the Messiah, their hope and savior, and so he is. The religious leaders, who should have known best what to look for, can’t accept what is so obvious. How often I have been the same way. I have failed to look past my own situation, problems and desires so I could see the glory of God right in front of me.
And Jesus here is so perfectly humble. He doesn’t come riding a white horse waiving a sword. No Jesus comes on a donkey, himself just fulfilling scripture, as he always did. He is in every way giving every person the chance to see both is power (raising Lazarus) and his gentleness. Both in this event, and in the events of our lives, Jesus calls us to welcome him into our lives as our personal King and savior.
Lord, ride into my life on the slow but steady feet of a donkey, at your pace, in your time, but be my gentle King and savior. Change me so I welcome you with the same kindness and humility that you show me, by being kind and humble to all who are around me. *obbs*
