Devotions this week are based on Week 6 Temptation to Triumph: Tension: King or Criminal? (WATCH HERE)
21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to the Daughter of Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the city was stirred. The crowds shouted “Hosanna” and laid down branches, yet at the same time asked, “Who is this?” There were people close to Jesus, celebrating Him, even participating in something significant, yet still uncertain about who He truly was.
Jesus wanted people to know truly who he was. He did not enter Jerusalem accidentally. Every detail was intentional. He sent His disciples ahead for a donkey, fulfilling the words of Zechariah that the King would come gentle and riding on a colt. He did not come as a display of power as the world understands it. There were no war horses, no armies, no force. Instead, there was humility. The King came not to take lives, but to give His.
The crowd recognized something. They called Him the Son of David, a title connected to the promised Messiah. They shouted for salvation. Yet their understanding was incomplete. Many saw a prophet. Others hoped for a political deliverer. Few truly recognized that He was the Savior of their souls.
The question still stands today. Who is this? Not just historically or theologically, but personally. We might carry similar thoughts to Palm Sunday procession people. Is Jesus just a good teacher that gives moral guidance? Is Jesus a political hero that can straighten out the country if he or his followers get elected? Is Jesus a popular fad to follow when it seems the “in” thing to do. Or is your Savior, your King?
Holy Week will unfold. Jesus does not force recognition. He reveals Himself to us in unexpected, yet profound ways. His purpose was clear. He entered Jerusalem to go to the cross. He comes to us through His Word to clarify who he is. He comes humbly to serve with a heart for you, to be your Savior from sin.
Reflect: Who is Jesus to me right now? Where might I be near Jesus but not fully understanding who he is?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see You clearly. Help me not just to know about You, but to truly know You as my King. Remove confusion and draw me into deeper relationship to you. Amen.