Jesus demonstrates what his kingship is all about: a peaceful entry on a humble colt.
Jesus doesn't enter Jerusalem, the hubbub of Jewish religious power and Roman occupation as one would expect the Messiah-King to enter. Not on a mighty horse dressed in armor with fury or anger. He doesn't threaten war... he doesn't beat those into submission who disagree with his teachings and way of life... he doesn't demand that the religious powers bow down to him or that the Romans hand over the keys to Jerusalem to him. Instead he enters peacefully and humbly. Who is this guy?
Matthew 21:1-11 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately. " 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, 5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" 10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" 11 The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."
A large crowd has gathered. They want the long ago prophesied Messiah-King to come and reclaim their land and power from Rome. They want him to throw the Gentiles out of their city and lives. They want to go back to being family - God's family, of course. All signs - the miracles Jesus does - indicate that he is the Messiah. All the prophecies are lining up too. So they give him a king's entrance paving his path with their clothes and palm branches. They yell out "Hosanna" which means "Savior." But wait - what kind of savior arrives like this? Peacefully. Humbly. One who will be tortured and killed. One who will expand their family beyond themselves... one that will welcome those not family members into God's family. But this is not what they want! The Messiah was to give them back their power, land, and wealth. And in a few days, when it become obvious that he will not do this, these same people will be the ones yelling "Crucify Him!"
Do we ignore that Jesus' Messiah-Kingship is founded on humility and peace? Do we live out our lives in humility and peace? Or do we attack? When those not following Jesus picture ''a follower of Jesus" in their mind's eye, do they envision people following a peaceful man on a donkey? Or do they picture people standing with posters that demand their own well being screaming at those who disagree with them?
Who was this guy? And are we following him or not?
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