Wednesday 12 September, 2018

21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “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.’” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 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!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, 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