March 2nd
JESUS’ FINAL WEEK
Action: Jesus received a royal welcome as he rode into Jerusalem, to openly declare himself Israel’s foretold King and Messiah. This was the enactment of the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 quoted above.
The Greek word ‘praus’ means humble or lowly, however the Hebrew word ִני ע (`aniy) is usually translated poor. Here was a poor man - no chariot, no crown, no palace - riding in from Bethany (“house of the poor”) on a borrowed donkey as saviour from oppressive sin. This was the opposite of Israel’s expectations of rich regality on a white stallion riding as saviour from oppressor Rome. Zechariah 9 reveals a surprising contrast of kings: King of Greece, Alexander, is described in verses 1-8 as a sweeping conqueror, excluding Jerusalem. King of Persia, Antiochus is referred to in verses 11 onwards. Sandwiched in between is the arrival of poor, humble King Jesus.
Within five days, their “hosannas” would change to cries of “Crucify Him!” Those who had hailed Him as a hero would soon nail him as a zero.
JESUS’ FINAL WEEK
SUNDAY – Triumphal Entry
SUNDAY – Triumphal Entry
Rejoice, rejoice, people of Zion! Shout for joy, you people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you! He comes triumphant and victorious, but humble and
riding on a donkey--on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9, Good News Translation
riding on a donkey--on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9, Good News Translation
Action: Jesus received a royal welcome as he rode into Jerusalem, to openly declare himself Israel’s foretold King and Messiah. This was the enactment of the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 quoted above.
The Greek word ‘praus’ means humble or lowly, however the Hebrew word ִני ע (`aniy) is usually translated poor. Here was a poor man - no chariot, no crown, no palace - riding in from Bethany (“house of the poor”) on a borrowed donkey as saviour from oppressive sin. This was the opposite of Israel’s expectations of rich regality on a white stallion riding as saviour from oppressor Rome. Zechariah 9 reveals a surprising contrast of kings: King of Greece, Alexander, is described in verses 1-8 as a sweeping conqueror, excluding Jerusalem. King of Persia, Antiochus is referred to in verses 11 onwards. Sandwiched in between is the arrival of poor, humble King Jesus.
Within five days, their “hosannas” would change to cries of “Crucify Him!” Those who had hailed Him as a hero would soon nail him as a zero.
Application:
- Is there a tendency in us to want to ‘make an entrance’ as a somebody, pointing to ourselves or our possessions? Or do you hail Jesus? He came in a spirit of love, grace, and lowly servanthood to conquer hearts and minds.
- Jesus’ original wording of instruction to his disciples was, “If anyone asks you why you are taking the donkey, you are to say, “Its Lord is in need.” (Mark 11:3) All we have, came from the Lord, belongs to him and is temporally entrusted into our care.
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Jesus has made a triumphal entry into our hearts, He reigns there in peace and love.
Jesus has made a triumphal entry into our hearts, He reigns there in peace and love.
