Easter-Victory at the CrossSample

I do not want to miss who Jesus is because I’m clinging to who I think Jesus should be.

Jesus reveals Himself during His triumphal entry on Palm Sunday by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. I am so prone to miss the upside-down Kingdom He came to bring—where the way up in the Kingdom of God is actually the way down.

Palm branches symbolized independence, and the Jewish people waved them when they felt oppressed by Rome. They shouted “Hosanna!” with joy because they believed that political freedom was coming. They expected Jesus to set them free from Rome’s oppressive government—but Jesus came to set them free from the deeper problem that was truly plaguing them: sin.

The Old Testament foretold this moment clearly:

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

They would have known these words. They had waited for this King. And yet, when the moment was right in front of them, they were still looking for the wrong kind of freedom. The people expected a sudden, dramatic takeover. A flash-bang kingdom. Immediate rescue from Roman rule. But Jesus tells a parable to show them that while the Kingdom begins with Him, it will not be completed in the way—or on the timeline—they expect.

When Jesus finally enters Jerusalem, He does two things that signal kingship: He rides an animal that has never been ridden, and the people lay their garments on the road before Him. But instead of choosing a powerful white horse that communicated victory in battle and power, Jesus chose a donkey to display that the coming kingdom was one of peace. This is the upside-down Kingdom.

Some stand there soaking in the moment. Others stand there finger-wagging. The Pharisees tell the disciples to quiet down, and Jesus responds: “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:40) All of creation recognizes Him—even the stones. And still, we are tempted to look for a King who suits our personal needs, rather than surrendering to the Kingdom to which we belong.

Prayer

Lord God,
I don’t want to miss you and the Christian life you have called me to because I’m looking for something “better,” or because I’ve decided ahead of time how You should meet me. Open my eyes to see You as You are—the humble King, the unexpected Savior, the bringer of true peace.

Help me recognize the time of Your coming.
Amen.