One of the most exciting moments of a sporting event is at the beginning of the game–the triumphal entry of the home team. When the announcer says: “From Akron,
Ohio, at forward 6’9”...LeBron James!” All the home crowds yell and celebrate their star, one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
The King Who Came
There was another triumphal entry that happened over 2000 years ago. It was a celebratory atmosphere with the crowds that gathered the first day of the week when Jesus
rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people had waited a long time for the promised Messiah. But as Jesus rode into town, this King did not look as they would have
expected.
Kings rode on horses. This King rode on a donkey.
Kings wore fine robes. This King wore the clothes of a humble peasant.
Kings led an army. This King rode alone, followed by only a few friends.
Kings had many servants. This King served many.
Kings wore crowns of gold and jewels. This King soon wore a crown of thorns.
Kings were guarded and protected. This King soon gave His life paying the cost of all sin.
This King was unlike any other king, and yet, when this King rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, He was celebrated by a crowd that probably had witnessed some of His
miracles.
“Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, He went out to Bethany with the Twelve.” Mark 11:9-11 (NIV)
The people expected a King and they celebrated Jesus as King. But that is not ok what they got. It was what they wanted, but it was not what they needed.
Just What Was Needed
Jesus had not come to be the King of the land. He came to be the King of their hearts. God’s plan was very different than what the people expected and hoped for.
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on that Sunday afternoon, He began His journey to the cross. Jesus would be the sacrifice for the sins of the world. Today, Jesus
continues to be the perfect sacrifice for each and every person.
Palm Sunday
As we celebrate and think about Palm Sunday, let this day be a remembrance that we have seen our King and we have received our King. Are we glad to see our King?
YES!!
“I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:2 (NIV)
As we move toward Easter, let me encourage you to look for Jesus every day, keeping your eyes on Him “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For
the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ Hebrews 12:2, remembering the Lord’s good work
and all He has done for us.
Jesus is the Risen Lord and He will come again as the ruling King, the King of Kings!
Are you glad to see Jesus? He is there and alive and waiting for you to truly see Him.
