Thursday 28 August, 2014

21 As they all approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage. It was on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent out two disciples. 2 He said to them, “Go to the village ahead of you. As soon as you get there, you will find a donkey tied up. Her colt will be with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them. The owner will send them right away.” 4 This took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would come true. It says, 5 “Say to the city of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you. He is gentle and riding on a donkey. He is riding on a donkey’s colt.’” (Zechariah 9:9) 6 The disciples went and did what Jesus told them to do. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt. They placed their coats on them. Then Jesus sat on the coats. 8 A very large crowd spread their coats on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Some of the people went ahead of him, and some followed. They all shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 118:26) “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. The people asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus. He is the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

It’s a parade! Parades are meant to promote a concept or a cause. But this ‘parade’ was both different and unique. Riding on a donkey Jesus portrayed himself as a king. The nature of this parade was meant to announce the significance of his kingship – so different to the world’s concept of authority with its display of military power. Jesus wanted to depict a reign of an entirely different order – the Kingdom of God!

Most Jews in Jesus’ day expected a different kind of Savior. They thought that Messiah would be a mighty political deliverer who would lead Israel to military victory over Rome. They were not looking for a lowly Savior, riding on a donkey. They could not conceive of a suffering Savior, who offered Himself as the sacrifice for sinners. And so, tragically, they missed the coming of their King!

Christianity is still the one authentic faith which believes in Jesus as our Saviour and King who established a new Kingdom based on his sacrifice and powerful resurrection. Now by faith we are not only spectators of Jesus’ procession of victory but we are actively participating with Him in that victory parade! [2 Cor 2:14]

Praise and honour to you Jesus that by your ultimate sacrifice on the Cross you established an indestructible kingdom. Thank you that there is no more need for confusion because you have made it absolutely clear that you are the King. Thank you that you have called me into your Kingdom of love and peace and given me a royal status.

Written by Joan Bennett