The Unassuming King
Scripture Reading — Mark 11:1-11
"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" Mark 11:10
Jesus is heading into the final week of his life on earth. And this most important week in history begins with a radical statement. Jesus is a king, but this King will not come with horses, chariots, and armies. This king comes riding a colt--a child's animal.
As Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt, the crowds cry out, "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" These words bring us back to the message Jesus proclaimed when he began his ministry. "?The time has come,' he said. ?The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!'" (Mark 1:15).
The crowds don't understand all of what they're saying; they think Jesus will rescue them from their Roman oppressors. But they are stating a truth far deeper than any of them can imagine at this time: the kingdom of God is near; it's in the shape of this Person, sitting unimpressively on a child's colt, entering the Holy City of David.
What the people don't know is that this King has the power to conquer an enemy far more dangerous than the Roman Empire. But he will do it in a way the enemy cannot understand; he'll do it through love and sacrifice.
This King, who is Lord over all things, is willing to give his life as a ransom for the whole world.
Lord Jesus, we celebrate with the crowds who welcomed you into Jerusalem: "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" Lord, be our King! Amen.
About the author — Kevin DeRaaf
Kevin DeRaaf is the director of Resonate Global Mission, the Christian Reformed mission agency working in more than 40 countries around the world. With a focus on encouraging others to join in God’s mission where they are, Kevin believes that God’s purpose for the local church is to shine as a community of love and grace, showing in tangible ways that Jesus is the hope of the world. He and his wife, Jacquie, have three children and four grandchildren and live in Burlington, Ontario.
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