The King is Coming

This week as we approach Easter, our hearts and minds turn to one of the most significant events in Christian history - Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday  marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time of reflection, renewal, and spiritual awakening. But to truly understand the magnitude of this event, we must first set the stage and consider the contrasts it presents.

Imagine, if you will, two very different entries into holy cities. On one hand, we have the image of Muhammad entering Mecca as a conqueror - 400 mounted men, 10,000 soldiers, brandishing swords and ready for battle. It's a scene of military might, political dominance, and forceful conversion. This entry speaks of earthly power, of kingdoms won through strength and intimidation.

Now, contrast this with another entry - one that would change the course of history. Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, enters Jerusalem not on a warhorse, but on a humble donkey. He's accompanied not by an army, but by twelve ordinary men - fishermen, tax collectors, everyday people. This entry speaks not of earthly conquest, but of peace, humility, and a different kind of kingdom altogether.

1.  We worship a God who is in control
From the smallest details to the grand design, nothing in this story is left to chance. Jesus instructs his disciples precisely where to find the donkey, what to say, and how events will unfold. This meticulous planning fulfills ancient prophecies and demonstrates that our God is sovereign over all circumstances. In a world of uncertainty, what comfort it brings to know that the One we serve holds all things in His hands!

2.  We follow One who submits to God's Word
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem wasn't a spontaneous act, but a carefully orchestrated fulfillment of Scripture. Zechariah 9:9 had foretold this very moment: "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."

By aligning His actions with prophecy, Jesus shows us the supreme importance of God's Word. He doesn't just teach it; He lives it. This challenges us to make Scripture the foundation of our lives, allowing it to shape our actions and decisions.

3. We are called to emulate Christ's humility
In a world that prizes power, wealth, and status, Jesus' humble entry stands in stark contrast. He could have commanded legions of angels or entered with great pomp and circumstance. Instead, He chooses a donkey - a symbol of peace and humility.

This isn't just a historical footnote; it's a powerful example for us today. In a culture obsessed with self-promotion and personal branding, are we willing to embrace Christ-like humility? Can we set aside our egos and serve others, even when it costs us our pride?

4. We proclaim the One who saves
As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowds cry out "Hosanna!" - which means "Save us!" Little did they know how profoundly their plea would be answered in the days to come. Jesus didn't come to save them from Roman occupation or establish an earthly kingdom. He came to bring something far greater - salvation from sin and reconciliation with God.

This truth echoes through Scripture:

• "But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to become children of God."  (John 1:12)
• "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
• "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6)

As we reflect on Palm Sunday, we're reminded that Jesus is the only way to true salvation. In a world of competing ideologies and spiritual paths, this exclusive claim challenges us to place our faith fully in Christ.

As the crowds laid down their cloaks and palm branches, creating a royal carpet for Jesus, they recognized Him as King. But their understanding was limited. They expected a political savior, one who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's glory.

We, with the benefit of hindsight, know that Jesus came for something far greater. He came to establish an eternal kingdom, to conquer sin and death itself. His triumph would be one of love over hate, forgiveness over condemnation, and life over death.

This Palm Sunday, we're invited to lay down more than cloaks and branches. We're called to lay down our lives, our ambitions, our very selves before the King of Kings. We're challenged to cry out "Hosanna!" - not just as a religious platitude, but as a heartfelt plea:

- Save us from our disobedience
- Save us from our rebellion
- Save us from our egos
- Save us from misplaced priorities

As we enter Holy Week, let's allow the events of Palm Sunday to stir our hearts anew. May we approach Easter not with familiarity or indifference, but with childlike wonder and awe. Let's marvel at the love that drove Jesus to the cross, the power that raised Him from the dead, and the grace that offers us new life.

Whether you've walked with Christ for decades or are exploring faith for the first time, Palm Sunday extends an invitation. It's an invitation to recognize Jesus as the true King, to submit our lives to His lordship, and to experience the transforming power of His love and salvation.

This Holy Week, may we each encounter Christ in fresh and profound ways. May we be moved to worship Him as never before, allowing His example of humility, obedience, and sacrificial love to shape our lives. And may we, like those first disciples, be ready to proclaim to a watching world:

"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"