Matthew 21:1-11 #1

Matthew 21:1-11 #1
Generally called the “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem, this is one of the most moving events in the life of Jesus. In ancient times, kings would often enter their capital city after victories at war and receive the accolades of adoring citizens. These kings came as conquerors. They had defeated their enemies, and now they would sit on their throne. Jesus was doing the same, but what a contrast in His method!
Instead of entering the city on war-horse having returned from a physical battle, Jesus entered on a lowly colt of a donkey. Can you see Him? His feet would have nearly drug the ground as this little animal carried Him into the city. We know from the other accounts that there was a great crowd that followed Him toward the city and a great crowd that came out of the city to meet Him. It was jubilant and festive; they had come to meet the King, and they laid out a “red carpet” of their clothes and palm branches for the occasion. But in Jesus’ case, He did not enter the city to take the throne of a physical kingdom. He entered in order to fight the final battle with Satan. Then, and only then, would He take His throne, a throne that would be in heaven itself. Who would have imagined that the battle was not really earthly, but heavenly? It was a battle for the souls of men, for eternal life, for the conquering of death that had been brought on in the beginning with the temptation of Satan and the sin of man. Jesus to the rescue, taking the sins of man upon Himself and offering Himself up as the ultimate ransom price and buying us back from a doomed eternity.
His entrance on that donkey, prophesied by Zechariah (Zech. 9:9), signified the way He would go about conquering the hearts of men. It would not be by force nor with physical weapons of war. He would conquer by love, by giving Himself up for us and by that love drawing us to Him. We come willingly because no one has ever loved us like He has loved us. Every love we have ever experienced has fallen short, but not His love. His is faithful and true and has filled a void that only He could fill. Thank you Lord.
Berry Kercheville