A lot has happened since Jesus came out of the wilderness. As we prepare for the pain of the cross and the glory that comes after, we find ourselves in a season of significance. While finding new ways to honor Christ, Lent prepares us for all that is to come.
Check out this series on Lent to catch up.
You do not have to read the Bible very long before you realize that with God everything is significant. Jesus understood this was His season of significance. He knew all the little details mattered. Most importantly, He understood His purpose, although those around Him often missed it. Today is our chance to uncover the significance of it all as He begin his journey to the cross.
The Triumphal Entry
After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethpage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
“The rocks will cry out…”
There are things we need to pay attention to when studying the scriptures. This particular passage is included in all four gospels. Thus, making it more significant. It was obviously important enough to recant four different times by four different people. Reading them collectively, gives us a broader picture of what is happening. Below, I have included the other scriptures. I would encourage you to read them all.
As I read through Luke’s version, verse 30 jumped out at me. That Jesus would ride in on a colt that ‘had never been ridden.’ Pure and holy is what I thought of. The world had never seen a king like this.
Everyone was looking for a king to come in and save the day. To destroy the oppressors and cut off their heads. Yet, Jesus came not on a stallion, but on a donkey, an animal that represents peace. As He entered, they praised Him. Although, in short fashion, these same people would soon be yelling, “Crucify him.”
Zechariah 9:9 reads;
“See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
Zechariah 9:10 continues;
“He will proclaim peace to the nations.
His rule will extend from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.”
“See, your king comes to you…”
As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He cries for the city. Although the people were longing for a king, they missed it. Jesus knew it but they did not. Maybe they could not see Him because of themselves or others, but they missed it. “See, your king comes to you… to proclaim peace.”
Jesus is our king, the Prince of Peace as Isaiah tells us. Just like Jesus is riding on toward Jerusalem, we too are moving toward the cross. This is our season of significance. It is up to us if we will let Him come to us. Don’t miss it. Don’t miss the peace of Christ that is being offered to each and everyone of us. Can you embrace the peace He offers?
Jesus died an awful death. He sacrificed everything. As we prepare for His death, it is time to decide how you will honor Him?
Let us pray;
God of all significance, show us all that You would have us know. Teach us your ways and bring us into a right relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
P.S. Leave me a comment below and let me know how you plan to honor Christ today. Forward this message to a friend and ask them to subscribe. Share on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, “Blessed is the king that comes in the name of the Lord.” -M
