A Triumphal King
Yesterday began a special week in the life of those who follow Jesus. We remember His "triumphal entry," an ironic title for the event that leads to his ultimate death.
The actions that the people demonstrated that they thought he was special. The scriptures tell us that Jesus' disciples brought a colt for him to ride on, that people cut palm branches that they laid on the road before him along with their cloaks.
An Exulted King
The people shout phrases such as
Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!
Matthew 21:9, Luke 19:38 (ESV).
The actions represented that they thought he was the coming king of Israel and this was something worthy of celebration. Israel's history of kings was not a very good one. The biblical story makes it clear that most of Israel's kings led the nation so poorly that it was eventually conquered by its enemies as punishment from the Lord.
A Humble King
And yet a promise remained that a special king would one say come.
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9 (ESV)
The description of this king is one that is opposite to the failed kings. This king would be one of righteousness and salvation.
Before entering into the city, Jesus instructed the disciples to bring a colt for Him to ride. Though a horse would seem to be a better image for a king to ride on, the selection of a colt was intentional. Jesus would demonstrate his personal humility by riding in on a donkey not a grand stallion. Jesus' kingship would be one that would be different.
A Righteous King
God describes in Deuteronomy 17 what he expects of His king. His king was to lead the people in righteousness. He was to teach them how to live before the Lord. The kings of Israel failed at this task. But where they failed, Jesus would succeed.
The people celebrated because they anticipated what this king would accomplish for them. They likely were expecting political salvation. God had something so much more in mind for them. Though they might have been celebrating for the wrong reason, their celebration was appropriate.
You have the advantage of knowing the real reason to celebrate this king.
Celebrate our King
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