Today is Palm Sunday, the day Christ's followers worldwide remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on the week He would die. To honor Him, people put palm branches and even their cloaks on the road ahead before Him. That is why today is called "Palm Sunday."
The entire city had heard that Jesus was coming, and nearly everyone turned out to see Him. He had quite a reputation after three years of teaching and working wonders. When they saw Him, the crowd cheered and shouted, “hosannah!” which means, “save now!” Many had been praying and hoping the long-awaited Messiah would appear to deliver them from the brutal Roman occupation they were enduring.
Their hopes and dreams were on a mighty conqueror to defeat the Romans. Yet, He did not enter the city on a white horse and dressed as a king or a warrior. He came dressed in everyday clothes and riding a donkey––but not just any donkey––a young donkey that no one had ridden!
I wonder how many people thought of Zechariah 9:9 which says,
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
They continued to shout, “Hosannah! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Have you ever seen the President of the United States arrives at an event? It is a grand event with security, flags, a band playing “Hail to the Chief,” and an enthusiastic crowd. He arrives on Air Force One or a custom-built limousine and walks down a red carpet.
Yet, here is the Almighty, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Creator of Heaven and earth, dressed in everyday clothes and riding… a donkey!
He did not need to put on airs, list His accomplishments, or have a thousand-angel choir with Him.
The Lord Jesus did not come to impress the world. He came to impact the world.
Many people were expecting something different. And many missed the priceless opportunity because of their pride.
The Lord came humbly to the world with His arms wide open.
Those who receive Him, He gave them the right to become children of God.
The young donkey no one had ridden reminds us that even nature submitted to Him. Still, many refuse to submit to Him today.
When He returns, it will not be humbly reaching out to save.
When He comes again, it will be in His awesome power and authority with all the holy angels to judge the world.
Behold, your King cometh!