Imagine this parade as it entered Jerusalem. A king has returned from battle; the enemy has been defeated in a victory that can only be attributed to God. Led by the king riding his horse, battle-weary troops trailed behind. Their first action on their return was to march to the temple and offer a thanksgiving sacrifice to God.
Imagine another parade into Jerusalem 800 years later. A rabbi from Galilee is riding on a donkey, followed by his weary disciples. Suddenly the crowd understands—this is a king on his way to the temple to offer a sacrifice! The dusty road is transformed into a carpet of cloaks and palm branches. The words of Psalm 118 come to everyone’s lips: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 11:9-10).
No one knows how this rabbi could be a king—but he is far more of a king than anyone can guess. God is going to do marvelous things through this King. A day is coming, a day the entire universe will rejoice in. Those prayers of Hosanna—“Save us!”—will be answered beyond our wildest dreams and expectations. The victory this King comes to announce is the victory over the greatest enemy of all: death.
Do you know this King as your personal Lord and Savior?
Jesus, you came to save us from sin and death. You are our God, and we give you thanks; you are our God, and we will exalt you forever. Amen.
About the author — Thea Leunk
Thea Nyhoff Leunk has been a high school English teacher, a director of Christian education, a pastor of discipleship, and a regional coach for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. She is currently the senior pastor at Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thea has also written courses for teens and young adults on world religions, Christian faith traditions, and science and the Bible. She and her husband have three adult children.
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