Get Read, for the King is Coming!

N.T. #242  "Get Ready, for the King is Coming!"

Feb. 12, 2024

Matthew 21-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Years ago we would have the revival preacher stay in our home that week. I would spend the previous week cleaning and cooking, getting ready for them. I am sure they prepared the messages before they came, too. Today, we read about Jesus getting ready for His final trip to Jerusalem during His earthly ministry. Read on.

Jesus is making His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem soon. In many ways it is far from a triumph because Israel rejected Jesus as their Messiah. When the group arrived at Bethphage at the Mt. of Olives, Jesus sent 2 of His disciples on an errand. They were sent into the village where they would find a donkey and her colt. They were to untie them and bring them to Jesus. If anyone questioned the guys, they would be justified saying the Lord needed them. That shows us that there were believers in Jesus as the Messiah in and around Jerusalem. they could have become followers during the earlier Jerusalem ministry described by John. 

Jesus' disciples obeyed and He saddled up, so to speak. (verses 6-7) 

LET IT GROW

Why would King Jesus enter Jerusalem riding on a little donkey? He is the King, the Messiah. Shouldn't Jesus be riding on a white horse with a purple robe like a king? It was the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9:

Rejoice, O people of Zion. Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey-riding on a donkey's colt.

The prophet was looking forward some 500 years earlier. Jesus was preparing to ride into Jerusalem days before He was crucified as an atoning substitute for sinners and rose from the dead. When He returns, Jesus will again enter Jerusalem, but this time as a triumphant King to establish His Kingdom.

Remember those thousands of Jews coming to the Temple to observe the Passover. They would be able to see Jesus upon the hill coming down. did they make connection with what they saw and messianic prophecy of Zechariah?

Swindoll said the presence of the colt's mother beside Him would have been a clue that the rider was making some kind of statement. Jesus was deliberately claiming to be Jerusalem's King, God's anointed.

William Barclay said He entered in such a way as to focus the whole limelight upon himself and to occupy the center of the stage. Only in war did kings ride upon a horse: when they came in peace they came upon a donkey.

Don't you know it was a biter-sweet ride? Jesus knew what was coming for Him. He was not going to establish His kingship right then. That would come thousands of years later. His purpose was to bring salvation and redemption to Jesus and Gentiles who would believe Jesus to be the Son of God.

Are you a believer, friend? If so, are you helping people get ready for the coming of Jesus?

LET IT GO 

Jesus, You are prince of Peace, Almighty God, Lord of lords and King of Kings, the Mesiah, Savior, Redeemer.

Help us let go and let You be...