A DIFFERENT KIND OF KING!
Although the LORD made many references to His Messiah-ship, His Lordship, His Deity, during His years of ministry … He didn’t want that fact trumpeted around.
But now … what is referred to as the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, 6 days before the Jewish Passover, and His crucifixion, there is a change…
Jesus now enters Jerusalem, riding a donkey, and He allows the people to praise Him. In Luke 19 we read that “As He rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of Him. When He reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of His followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. ‘Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!’” (v.36-38). Or as the NIV puts it: ““Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” And when the Pharisees in the crowd saw and heard what was happening and what was being said, they told the Lord to “rebuke Your followers for saying things like that!” (v.39), Jesus replied and said, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”
But why was Jesus entering Jerusalem riding on a donkey? Why would a king, leave alone our precious King Jesus, use a donkey?
- Firstly, it fulfills prophecy ““Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey”. (Zechariah 9:9) - Also, believe it or not, it was common practice for Kings to ride donkeys when they came “in peace”. King David and King Solomon are just two examples. However, when coming in “war”, kings used horses. (You can read more about this in the book of Judges and Samuel). Jesus came as King to Jerusalem, in peace, as the Prince of Peace. (“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” – Isaiah 9:6).
If we read further, we will see there is something else different that Jesus did which would appear to be unlike a King. Jesus lamented over Jerusalem. He wept. “But as He came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, He began to weep. ‘How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes’.” (Luke 19:41-42) And in Matthew 23:37, it says: “”O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let Me”.
He came as a loving Saviour! Jesus came in peace, bringing salvation to His people, but they rejected it.
When Jesus comes back a second time, He will not come as the Prince of Peace and Saviour, He will come as Judge, King of Kings and Lord of Lords! And this time He will be riding a white horse! 
Revelation 19:11-16 says: “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose Rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on His thigh, He has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords”.
TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION. The King who came as a lowly servant. He died for you on Calvary’s tree. He rose again on the third day and is alive forevermore. He would love to be your Saviour too. There is only ONE WAY to be saved and that is to come to God through what Jesus has done for you on the Cross. Jesus says: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6)
He made the triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace. Have you let Him make the Triumphal Entry into YOUR heart yet?
Don’t delay. The Lord is coming to take those who know Him as Saviour to be with Him soon. We just do not know the day or the hour. Only those who have come to know Him as their Lord and Saviour now will be taken to meet the Lord in the air. (More about this topic in a few days’ time!!)
TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.
If you want to get to know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, follow this link for further help.
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