A Humble Messiah
by Oleksandr Antonyuk
Ukraine

John 12:12-17 (TLB)

The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city, and a huge crowd of Passover visitors 13 took palm branches and went down the road to meet him, shouting, “The Savior! God bless the King of Israel! Hail to God’s Ambassador!”

14 Jesus rode along on a young donkey, fulfilling the prophecy that said: 15 “Don’t be afraid of your King, people of Israel, for he will come to you meekly, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”

16 (His disciples didn’t realize at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy; but after Jesus returned to his glory in heaven, then they noticed how many prophecies of Scripture had come true before their eyes.)

17 And those in the crowd who had seen Jesus call Lazarus back to life were telling all about it.

Mixed Messages

During Jesus’ earthly life, he performed many miracles, which often put him in an untimely spotlight.  Those who were privy to his miracles responded with such enthusiasm that they couldn’t contain the great news of Jesus’ powers.  He would ask that the news of these miracles be kept “under wraps,” for the time wasn’t yet right to reveal his role as Messiah. Often this request was to no avail. 

God the Father carefully orchestrated the announcement of Jesus as the Son of God on Palm Sunday.  The stage was meticulously set.  Jerusalem was crowded with pilgrims already in a celebratory mood because of the Feast of the Passover. The coming of this new King filled the city with anticipation.  The idea of Jesus sweeping into Jerusalem as the conquering King conjured up visions of him riding in on a white steed. His undeniable power to right all wrongs for his followers and established his kingdom here on earth.

His entrance was less than glamorous, for he entered the city upon a donkey, a common beast of burden, and a colt for that matter.  Christ didn’t ride above his subjects to look down on them but was at eye level with all those who came to worship him.  It seems like a mixed message. It’s hard to shout praises when all visual signs point to what appears to be the life of an average, everyday servant.  

Jesus set the world upside down.  Before his ministry on earth, words like servant, suffering, and meek were not what the world would use to describe their foretold Messiah.  Jesus exemplified the perfect melding of majesty and humility, sovereignty and gentleness.  Jesus divested himself of his divinity but never compromised the fact that he was the Anointed One.  

Jesus entered Jerusalem, aware of his position in the Godhead. He knew the difficult days ahead. Yet he humbly rode on a young donkey to testify to the fact that he was willing to descend into greatness for his uncompromising love for the world.

Reflection

In what way can you intentionally take the role of a servant today? 

Prayer

On this day of great rejoicing, Lord Jesus Christ,
When we welcome You as our King and Savior,
We also walk in the shadow of Your cross.
Hosanna! We cry.
Blessed are You who come in God’s name to save us. Amen.

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