Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 19:28-38.
TEXT: 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 (see Luke 19:37).


Jesus has travelled to Jerusalem many times
in His life, but this trip will be the last time.
Every other time He walked through its gates,
but not this time. Today He rides into the city
as Jerusalem's King, its Messiah. But the
King of kings does not ride a splendid war
horse; instead, He sends His disciples to
bring Him a humble donkey, a lowly beast of
burden. This animal fits Jesus' entire earthly
life. He came as the meek, humble Baby
born in Bethlehem's manger; He will lay down
His life in humility on the cross.

The crowds are caught up in excitement. They
shout "Blessed is the King who comes in the
Name of the Lord." The term "blessed" points
to the Father, who chose this King and
continues to bless Him. Even though He rides
a humble donkey, Jesus enters Jerusalem as
our King, coming to conquer our great enemies-
Satan, sin, death and hell.

The crowds add "peace in heaven and glory in
the highest." These are the same words the
angels shared with the shepherds at Jesus' birth.
Peace in heaven celebrates God's peace coming
down upon the earth through the Messiah. His
victory brings praise to God from His angels in
heaven and from all of us who have been saved
by His mighty Son.

Jesus accepts this praise sweeping through the
crowds because it is right and true. He is the
King riding into Jerusalem to prepare to fight to
the death to defend His people. In a few days He
will stagger out through the city gates, carrying
His cross to the battlefield.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, our great conquering
King, You rode into Jerusalem to wage war for
Your people. Receive my thanksgiving for the
victory You won through Your suffering, death
and resurrection. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)