"The King Enters"
March 21, 2017
... the whole multitude of His disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen (Luke 19:37b).
Jesus has travelled to Jerusalem many times in His life, but this trip will be the last time. Every other time He walked through its gates, but not this time. Today He rides into the city as Jerusalem's King, its Messiah. But the King of kings does not ride a splendid war horse, instead He sends His disciples to bring Him a humble donkey, a lowly beast of burden. This animal fits Jesus' entire earthly life. He came as the meek, humble Baby born in Bethlehem's manger; He will lay down His life in humility on the cross.
The crowds are caught up in excitement. They shout "Blessed is the King who comes in the Name of the Lord." The term "blessed" points to the Father, who chose this King and continues to bless Him. Even though He rides a humble donkey, Jesus enters Jerusalem as our King, coming to conquer our great enemies-Satan, sin, death and hell.
The crowds add "peace in heaven and glory in the highest," the same words the angels shared with the shepherds at Jesus' birth. Peace in heaven celebrates God's peace coming down upon the earth through the Messiah. His victory brings praise to God from His angels in heaven and from all of us who have been saved by His mighty Son.
Jesus accepts this praise sweeping through the crowds because it is right and true. He is the King riding into Jerusalem to prepare to fight to the death to defend His people. In a few days He will stagger out through the city gates, carrying His cross to the battlefield.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, our great conquering King, You rode into Jerusalem to wage war for Your people. Receive my thanksgiving for the victory You won through Your suffering, death and resurrection. Amen.
