Jesus, as King
There is a very interesting occurrence in Mark chapter 11; our Lord rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. As he rode, people filled the streets, laid their cloaks on the road and spread branches all around. They shouted “Hosanna!” as he passed by. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
This event is the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9; “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.”
“Hosanna!” literally means “Save Now!” The psalm is a song of ascent as God’s king entered Jerusalem and up to the temple for worship. Could the people really understand what was going on? Perhaps not. We are not sure if they connected Jesus’ arrival with that of God’s Messiah, but they did know the reputation of Jesus. They knew his miracles and his teaching. In this act, they demonstrated honor while Jesus affirmed his kingship as the Son of David.
You and I are in a good position. We know the rest of the story. Jesus was indeed the promised descendant who would be King forever. He was the King of the Jews. We know the nature of His Kingdom and enjoy the fruit of citizenship in it. We know He is King of the Ages. We know He rules in Righteousness. We know!
Generally speaking, Americans don’t like kings. Our forefathers fought and died to declare independence from an earthly king. We like our independence. However, followers (disciples) of Christ have a new role as servants of the King of Kings. This world is no longer our home. We serve as His ambassadors. We no longer live for independent self, but for Him. Entering this kingdom is an “all in” commitment, and well worth it.
Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”