The Passionনমুনা

“Who is this?... Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:10-11, ESV)

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds were wild with excitement. Was this the prophet like Moses, who had come to lead his people? Or, God’s Messiah, ready to overthrow the Romans and liberate Israel?

In one sense, the crowd is so right - in another, drastically wrong. As they shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David”, they proclaim that Jesus is the promised King they were waiting for. He has indeed come to save God’s people. Yet in spite of the triumphant shouts of crowds who would see Rome overthrown, Jesus doesn’t enter Jerusalem on a proud war horse. He enters the city on a lowly donkey. The Saviour knows that He must step down even lower - be humiliated on a cross and descend into death - before rescuing Israel from their greatest enemy. Jesus isn’t the Saviour they expect. He is the Saviour they need.

Soon, Jesus will judge the false worship of Israel. Jesus will deal firmly with injustice. But first, He appears as a meek and gentle Messiah, the promised Prince of Peace.

Today, ponder this: Has there been a time when you’ve felt disappointed with Jesus? Are there perhaps expectations you’ve had that don’t line up with who Jesus says He is? Precious child of God, in the midst of your trials, will you trust that Jesus is the Saviour and Lord you truly need?