Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
Scripture
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. (Mark 11:1-11a).
Reflection
Picture the following scenario: a stranger comes up to you and asks you if he can borrow your car for a quick errand and then return it to you. How would you respond? Most of us wouldn’t even think twice about saying no; things could go wrong in so many ways. But image this next scenario: someone you highly admire asks you the same question…maybe they are your pastor from church, the president of the bank you use, or even a local politician you voted for in the last election! Your response would probably look different, because these are people you trust…people of influence…people who may have helped you in the past who can possibly help you in return.
Approaching Jerusalem, Jesus sent two of his disciples to a nearby village on an errand. They were to secure a colt for him. When some people standing by saw his disciples taking a colt tied in front of a doorway, it is understandable that they would question the strangers about what they were doing. Jesus had prepared his disciples with an answer; they replied that the Lord needed it and would send it back shortly. The people did not hesitate to let them go; the Lord needed it.
Did the people actually know who the disciples were talking about? Had Jesus made arrangements for the colt earlier; was the owner of the colt a believer; were the villagers aware of Jesus and did they know him as Lord; was this another miraculous event? The Lord was borrowing it; that was all that needed to be said.
Many who saw Jesus riding toward Jerusalem on the colt spread their cloaks before him and spread branches they had cut in the fields as they shouted, “Hosanna!” Their exclamations of praise appealed for deliverance. Indeed, Jesus would deliver them—not from Roman rule, but from their sin; the Messiah had come, but he would rule over God’s kingdom…once in Jerusalem, he didn’t go to the palace; he went to the temple.
This Lent, let us be eager to offer Jesus all that he asks of us, and let us gladly give him honor and praise for all that he has done for us. Let us follow him with adoration, with praise and joy. Indeed, his sacrifice has delivered us from sin and he is our constant help.
Prayer
King Jesus, we echo the cries of the crowds who surrounded you as you went toward Jerusalem; our hearts cry out, “Hosanna!” Thank you for being willing to go to Jerusalem and suffer the cross so that we can follow you, redeemed and free.
2024 Lenten Journey
Adrian Brown