Have you ever been disappointed or dissatisfied?
12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”
John 12:12-15
Jesus riding on a donkey’s colt is prophetic.
The Prophet Zechariah foretold this in his book with uncanny accuracy, 500 years before the birth of Christ.
Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.
Zechariah 9:9
The Triumphal entry on Palm Sunday was not only prophetic but Jesus riding on a donkey showed his Position.
A colt is a young male donkey & A colt was often ridden by a new king, which showed a transfer of rulership.
Jesus riding on a donkey’s colt highlights His passion in the fact that His purpose was to suffer in our stead and bring mankind peace with God.
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Romans 5:1
A king riding a horse meant he was ready for war.
A king riding a donkey would symbolize peace.
50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
Matthew 27:50-51a
The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
John 12:18
The CROWD was there hoping CHRIST would reveal His power.
The CROWD and Christ were not on the same page.
Most of the people went to meet Him because of the miracles, not His ministry.
“He is not guilty of any crime. 39 But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?” 40 But they shouted back, “No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!” (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)
John 18:38b-40
They were not looking for someone to get rid of their sin, they were looking for a revolutionary to help them get rid of Rome.
Instead of choosing Jesus, they choose Barabbas.
How many times have we chosen Barrabas?
How many times have we chosen human over Holy?
Greed over generosity?
Lust over love?
Selfishness over self-less-ness?
Ratchetness over righteousness?
37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 38 See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Matthew 23:37-39
The people of Jerusalem were expecting a bloody uprising.
In just 5 days, Jerusalem had turned on Jesus.
He was no longer the Messiah but a man who had not met their expectations.
There are moments in our relationship with Jesus that He will shut doors, that He will remove opportunities, that He will restrict you from reward and oftentimes those seasons are to help you discern who you celebrate.
Do we want His presence or His presents?
Do we want His heart or just His hands?
Why do we want Jesus?
Sometimes we want a Jesus that serves us, not a Jesus we have to serve.
We want a Jesus who blesses our plans, not a Jesus who changes our plans.
We want a Jesus who blesses our relationships, not a Jesus who says they are not good for us.
Disciples want a Jesus who will challenge them, correct them, and change their heart.
How could he be praised one moment and persecuted the next?
How could he be celebrated and 1 week later be crucified?
They were celebrating who they wanted him to be instead of who they needed Him to be.
What good is freedom from Rome if you are still a slave to sin?
What good is it to be a billionaire and be broke in your Spirit?
What good is it to have a successful career and suspect character?
What good is a mansion and a messed-up mindset?
Jesus said put me first and watch how all that stuff just falls in place.
Make me Lord of your heart and watch how I handle all your needs.
What is your Rome?
What are you asking Jesus to free you from but He is saying there is something bigger?