In Zech. 9, the triumphal entry of the Messiah into Jerusalem was predicted five centuries prior to its fulfillment in Lk. 19. When we also study the parallel accounts of this climactic event in Matthew and Mark, we learn many powerful truths that put the spotlight upon the sovereignty of God and the fickle nature of man. We learn from Mk. 11:9 that the Savior could not be compromised by the applause of the masses nor deterred from His task of spiritual redemption by the shallow concepts of the crowd that yearned for an earthly potentate who would deliver them from Roman rule and give them prowess in governmental realms. The Jews arrogantly failed to see the need for deliverance from sin by a Redeemer who came out of Zion (Isa. 59:20). They wanted someone like Judas Maccabees to be their hero!

In Lk. 19 and 20, we have vivid portraits of the power and gloryof the Man of Galilee and yet the humility and devotion of the Son of God. The greatest One who ever lived would ride into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey -- a symbol of peace and meekness -- rather than on a prancing white horse or a black stallion that would convey prestige and nobility and tyranny. Truly, Christ was the "Prince of Peace" which Isa. 9: 6 had promised. He is referred to as meek and gentle (2 Cor. 10:1). The Lamb of God had come to take away sin (Jno. 1:29; Rev. 5:5-9) and not to sort out earthly empires. It disappointed the Jewish leaders that the Nazarene tolerated the Roman rulers whom they despised. Tragically, their perversion of Scripture and misplaced emphasis caused them to be ignorant of the real work of the Prince of Glory. Their exultant cry was "Hosanna" based on Psa. 118, but their concept of "save us, we pray" had nothing to do with spiritual deliverance.

There are many today who are disappointed in Jesus.
Thousands still stand at the foot of the Cross and demand that the Lord do this or that before they will believe Him (Matt. 27:29-42). It must break the Lord's heart to hear the foolish arguments of carnal minds that reject the Savior and demand provision for secular benefits and casual delights. Nothing is so shallow as cheap grace and carnival atmosphere of congregations that would make Christianity an excursion in politics, entertainment, gimmicks and social grace rather than true evangelism, spiritual growth and emphasis on the divine realm. The simple message of the Cross is still offensive to many (Gal. 5:11). Nevertheless, it is the "wisdom and power of God" to genuine believers (1 Cor. 1:18).

And whether people accept it or not, the truth is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Jno. 3:16) and He is "King of kings" (1 Tim. 6:15). As Peter said on Pentecost: "Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye have crucified" (Acts 2:36).

By Johnny Ramsey in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 55, No. 16, April 21, 2006.

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