12. King
The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! " "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, 15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." (John12:12-15) |
Think about what happened: It's nearly Passover - the crowds are pouring into Jerusalem. People have been travelling and now they are seeking accommodation, food and supplies for Passover... It's busy, noisy and chaotic.
But now a ripple goes through the crowd and a country preacher appears riding on a donkey. He has the calloused hands of a carpenter. His sandalled feet bear the dust of walking many miles to Jerusalem. His eyes are warm and compassionate. The wrinkles on His brow reveals the weariness of bearing the burdens of the sick, the broken and the lost. His bearing is noble. His voice has the authority of Truth.
And they're calling Him the King!
A King in clothes of poverty.
A King on a donkey instead of a stallion. (Peace instead of war.)
A King of the masses while the authorities scoff and scowl.
Palm branches are torn down, cloaks are put on the road, songs and chants of someone greater than a king - a Messiah - are sung.
Surely this will result in a riot?!?
Surely this is going to get out of control (just like so many of our protest marches do)?!?
Surely He will lose control of the rabble?!?
But incredibly it doesn't. The march dies down and the crowds drift home. The political powder keg (which is what Jerusalem was) doesn't explode. This is the influence of the peaceful King.
But the palm branches lie on the road - mute testimony that the King of kings came to Jerusalem, and just for a moment - one beautiful moment - He was recognised.
Sadly this scenario plays itself out weekly. We recognise Jesus in our worship service and forget Him in the week...
But He's the King - not of power and pomp - but love and grace.