And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this? Matthew 21:10
Who we follow matters, as it can shape your outlook on life, how you see yourself and how you see your future. If you put your trust in Jesus, a new way of life can be immediately yours. Jerusalem means the city of peace and is also known as Zion. There were days under King David and King Solomon’s rule where some viewed Jerusalem as the center of the world. It was a holy city with the Ark of the Lord’s presence at its center to sustain them. At the time of this text, this city had historical significance but is now under Roman rule, subject to earthly rulers and authorities. Now the Lord commands his disciples to go and bring back a beast of burden. These prophetic words of the Lord were immediately satisfied. The donkey and her colt were on their way to him. We can take comfort in knowing that whatever Jesus says, we can believe it. However, this text has been called Jesus’ triumphal entry mistakenly. His declaration of victory is not going to come by way of a donkey’s colt but nailed to a Roman cross. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey disturbs the citizens because it challenges the power structure. Later, at his second coming, he will come with all his might riding upon a warhorse. Yet, the King of kings comes in riding on a colt in meekness, not might. Meekness is power under control or power in submission to a higher authority. He is offering peace, not of this world, and leadership that is not threatening but welcoming.
One’s appetite is an excellent indicator to a doctor of your health. A consistent loss of appetite is an indication of a much deeper problem. The work of God says, if you come to Jesus, you shall never hunger, and if you believe in him, you will never thirst. Jesus coming to Jerusalem exposed the thirst of many people for better days and a better life. They rolled out the red carpet for Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Better is on the way; healing is on the way, help is on the way, restoration is on the way when we make room for the Way Maker (Isa 40:1-5). They groaned with hope, shouting, Hosanna, Save now, Son of David. They longed for moral leadership, saying blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. The crowd invites all of heaven to join them in their hopeful praise, saying Hosanna in the highest. To celebrate God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven. They could taste the sweetness of better days and the goodness of the Lord.
Who is this? Answering this essential question will be before every person. When we put Jesus in a box, we can limit our own life experiences with him. We can place Jesus in comfortable categories for us. However, Jesus is to be worshipped as the Christ, Savior, and Lord of all. When we can honestly answer this question, faith has come, and every encounter with Jesus can be and should be a life-changing event. His coming to Jerusalem was greatly misunderstood by many. They asked who is this? In other words, they asked, who is this stirring up all this excitement? They called him a prophet for Nazareth in Galilee. Some acclaimed him the Son of David with royal expectations, but others resolved in their minds that He was a prophet. When Jesus is the greatest, you can expect great encounters with him. Watch out for making your God too small it will show up in your life.
Who is Jesus to you? In Matthew 16:14-18, Peter answered this question correctly, and the Lord answered with these words, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Make room for the Waymaker, knowing who Jesus truly is, and watch the path for greater life experiences and expectations open up for you.
Because He lives,
Pastor Reggie Sheppard