The Unexpected King

The True King: Reflections on Jesus' Triumphal Entry

As we approach the Easter season, our thoughts turn to one of the most pivotal moments in Christian history - Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This event, often celebrated on Palm Sunday, carries far deeper significance than many of us realize. It's not just a festive parade or a political statement, but a profound revelation of who Jesus truly is and what His kingdom represents.

Imagine the scene: A humble man riding on a small donkey, entering the great city of Jerusalem. The contrast couldn't be starker when compared to the grand triumphs of Roman generals, who rode chariots pulled by massive war horses, adorned in the regalia of gods. Yet here was Jesus, the God of the universe, choosing a lowly donkey as His royal transport.

This seemingly simple act fulfilled an ancient prophecy from Zechariah 9:9: "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." Jesus orchestrated this moment, sending His disciples to fetch the donkey, knowing exactly how events would unfold. It was time for Him to reveal His true identity as the long-awaited Messiah.

But the King that arrived that day was not the conquering hero many expected. He came to establish a different kind of kingdom - one marked by humility, true peace, and salvation. Let's explore these three aspects of Christ's kingship:

1. A Humble King
Jesus' choice of a donkey speaks volumes about His character. He didn't seek pomp and circumstance, but embodied true humility. This small animal, likely with feet nearly touching the ground as Jesus rode, painted a picture of accessibility and meekness. It's a powerful reminder that God often works through the lowly and unexpected, confounding our human expectations of power and grandeur.

2. A Peaceful King
The peace Jesus brings is radically different from the world's understanding of peace. The Roman Empire boasted of the Pax Romana - a peace maintained at the tip of a sword. It was a fragile peace built on intimidation and force. In contrast, Jesus offers a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). His is a peace that reconciles us to God, removing the barrier of sin and ending the spiritual conflict that plagues humanity.

3. A Saving King
Above all, Jesus came as a King who saves. The crowds shouted "Hosanna!" - which means "save now!" - but they didn't fully grasp the nature of the salvation He offered. They longed for political and national deliverance, but Jesus came to address the far deeper problem of sin. His kingdom is not of this world, as He would later tell Pilate. Instead, He established an eternal kingdom, offering true freedom and reconciliation with God.

The reactions to Jesus' entry were mixed. Many celebrated, laying down cloaks and palm branches. Yet the religious leaders were troubled, fearing disruption of their carefully maintained status quo. Jesus' response to their demand that He silence His disciples is telling: "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." All of creation recognizes its true King, even if humanity often fails to do so.

This moment serves as a powerful reminder that our expectations of God can sometimes blind us to His true nature and purpose. The people of Jerusalem had specific ideas about what the Messiah should do and be. When Jesus didn't conform to those expectations, many turned against Him. How often do we do the same? Do we try to mold Jesus into what we want Him to be, rather than accepting Him as He truly is?

The triumphal entry calls us to examine our own hearts and expectations. Are we willing to embrace Jesus as our humble, peaceful, and saving King? This means:

1. Cultivating humility in our own lives, recognizing that true strength often comes through meekness and service.
2. Pursuing and promoting the deep, lasting peace that only Christ can bring - both in our personal relationships and in our wider communities.
3. Embracing our role as "ministers of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18-21), sharing the good news of salvation with those around us.

As we reflect on this pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, we're challenged to respond. Will we, like the crowds in Jerusalem, lay down our "cloaks" - surrendering our lives, our plans, our very selves - before Jesus? Will we recognize Him as the true King, even when His ways don't align with our expectations?

The beauty of Christ's kingship is that it invites our participation. We're called to be His ambassadors, extending His reign of love, humility, and reconciliation to the world around us. This isn't about building earthly kingdoms or institutions, but about transformed hearts and lives.

As we approach Easter, let's take time to truly contemplate the nature of Christ's kingship. Let's allow the image of Jesus on that donkey to challenge our notions of power and success. May we be people who embrace His humble strength, who promote His true peace, and who eagerly share the good news of His saving work.

The stones themselves would cry out if we remained silent about such a King. May our lives resound with praise for the One who entered Jerusalem in humility, went to the cross in love, and rose again in power - our true and eternal King.