The Coming of the King
Matthew 21:4–5; Zechariah 9:9
Introduction
Welcome, brothers and sisters, as we gather here on this blessed Palm Sunday. Today, we commemorate a pivotal moment in history - the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. This event, rich in symbolism and prophecy, marked the beginning of a journey that would culminate in the ultimate sacrifice for mankind’s salvation. Our sermon today, titled “The Coming of the King,” will delve deeper into the significance of this event, exploring the multifaceted nature of Jesus’ kingship.
1. The Prophesied Arrival
The triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is a significant event in the New Testament, marking the beginning of the Holy Week leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. This event is narrated in all four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
In Luke 19:28-44, the event is described in detail. Jesus, having said certain things to His disciples, went on ahead to Jerusalem. When He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called Olivet, He sent two of His disciples into the village in front of them. He instructed them to find a colt tied on which no one has ever sat and bring it to Him. If anyone were to ask why they were untying it, they were to say, 'The Lord has need of it.'. This was fulfilled just as Jesus had told them.
As Jesus rode the colt into Jerusalem, people spread their cloaks on the road. The whole multitude of His disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen. They said, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!". This event is seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Zechariah 9:9, which says, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
The triumphant entry is considered a symbol of Jesus' messiahship and kingship. However, the crowd's expectation of Jesus as a political and military leader who would overthrow Roman rule was not Jesus' actual mission. Instead of a conquering king, Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, emphasizing spiritual salvation.
I hope this exploration helps you understand the connection of the Bible verses to the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
The arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem was not a random event, but a fulfillment of prophecies that had been spoken centuries before. In Zechariah 9:9, the prophet Zechariah foretold of a king who would come riding on a donkey, a symbol of peace. This prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 21 when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, signifying His peaceful intentions. This event was not only a fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy but also of the prophecies in Genesis 49:10-11 and Isaiah 62:11, which foretold the coming of a Savior.
2. The King’s Compassion and Healing
Jesus’ kingship was marked by compassion and healing. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and comforted the broken-hearted. His miracles were not just displays of power, but expressions of His deep love and compassion for humanity. In Matthew 11:4-5, Jesus tells John’s disciples to report what they have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. These miracles fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 35:5-6, which says, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing.”
Jesus’ ministry was marked by compassion and healing, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. The scriptures abound with examples of Jesus' compassion and healing ministry. Isaiah 35:5-6 foretells of the King who will make the blind see, the mute sing, and the lame leap like a deer. In Matthew 11:4-5, Jesus declares, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”
In Matthew, Mark, John, and Luke, we witness the King's miraculous healing touch - restoring sight to the blind, cleansing lepers, healing the sick, and even demonstrating compassion by restoring the ear of a soldier who came to arrest Him. These acts of compassion and healing reveal the heart of our King, who is moved by the suffering of His people and extends His healing touch to all in need.
These verses collectively paint a picture of Jesus as a compassionate healer, a King who cares deeply for His people and works miracles to alleviate their suffering. His acts of healing were not just physical but also pointed to a greater spiritual healing that He offers. His compassion reflects His divine nature and His deep love for humanity. It’s a reminder for us to also show compassion and care towards others.
3. The King of Peace and Salvation
Jesus is the King of Peace and Salvation. He came not to establish an earthly kingdom, but to bring peace between God and man through His sacrifice on the cross. His kingship is one of salvation, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. In Psalm 118:26, the psalmist writes, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!” This verse is quoted in John 12:13 when Jesus enters Jerusalem, and the crowd shouts, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” The term “Hosanna” is a plea for salvation that comes from Psalm 118:25 and Exodus 4:22 refers to Israel as God’s firstborn son, pointing to Jesus as the firstborn over all creation.
As the crowds welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, they cried out “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 118:26). They recognized Him as the promised King of Peace, echoing the words of Psalm 20:9 and Psalm 72:12-13 - “He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.”
Jesus is often referred to as the King of Peace and Salvation, a title that signifies His divine mission.
His kingship is not of this world but is characterized by peace, compassion, and salvation. He is the King who delivers us from our sins and grants us peace with God through His sacrificial death and resurrection. As we reflect on these verses, let us remember and rejoice in the peace and salvation we have in Jesus Christ, our King.
4. The Gentle King
The image of a king is often associated with power and authority, yet Jesus embodies a different kind of kingship - one of gentleness and humility. In 1 Kings 1:38-39, King David instructs his servants to put his son Solomon on his own mule and parade him through the streets as the new king. Similarly, Jesus, the Son of David, rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, demonstrating humility and gentleness.
1 Peter 2:22: Peter refers to Jesus as one "who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth." This verse highlights the sinless and truthful nature of Jesus, qualities that contribute to His gentleness. and Galatians 5:23, Paul lists gentleness as a fruit of the Spirit. As Jesus perfectly embodies the fruits of the Spirit, His life and ministry were characterized by gentleness. In 2 Corinthians 10:1, the Apostle Paul urges believers to imitate the gentleness and meekness of Christ. Philippians 4:5 directs us to "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."
Jesus, the King of Kings, was known for His gentleness, a quality that set Him apart from earthly kings.
His gentleness was not a sign of weakness, but a testament to His strength and self-control. It reflected His deep love for humanity and His desire to guide us with kindness and compassion. As we reflect on these verses, let us strive to follow His example and let our gentleness be evident to all.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the kingship of Jesus this Palm Sunday, let us remember that He is a King like no other. He is the prophesied King, the compassionate healer, the King of peace and salvation, and the gentle King. As we celebrate His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, let us also prepare our hearts to commemorate His journey to the cross, where He demonstrated the greatest act of love humanity has ever known. Let us strive to emulate His humility, compassion, and love in our daily lives. And as we wave our palm branches today, let us do so in honor of our King, shouting, “Hosanna in the highest!” Amen.
