March 26, 2024

The image of Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a donkey is a perfect picture of who He was. Authority and humility. He didn’t just come as a king. He came as the King, Messiah, Christ, he King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He rode into Jerusalem as the most powerful being in all of the universe.
But Jesus knew who He was. He didn’t need to flaunt His authority. Many kings in His day would have ridden on big, beautiful stallions or in ornate chariots decorated with gold. They would have made a big show of their wealth and power. They would do it to impress people. They would do it to intimidate. Jesus didn’t come to impress anyone. He came to change the world.
That’s why He also came in humility. Most people wouldn’t dare to come too close to a king. They feared being rebuked, rejected, or arrested. But Jesus was a different kind of king. He came to serve. He came to wash feet. He came to lay down His life. He wanted the crowds to draw near. He wanted to embrace them with His love and His grace. He didn’t come to make slaves out of people. He came to set them free.
Don’t get me wrong. Jesus wasn’t afraid to exercise His authority. He cast out demons. He gave commands. He spoke the hard truth. He lifted up the lowly and called out the pompous, high, and haughty. But Jesus’ power and authority were always under the reins of His humble heart. He was as gentle as He was strong. And that’s what drew the multitudes to Him. He was a Humble King.
What a great model for us to live by this week. We too can live with both authority and humility. Let’s exercise our authority over the Enemy and the temptations and discouragements he brings our way. Let’s not be afraid to speak up for what is right and call out what is wrong. Let’s use our power for the good of the Kingdom of God and to lift up those who need an advocate. But let’s remember to be gentle and kind…and gracious. Let’s seek to serve, not to rule. Let’s not lead with a scepter, but with a towel and a basin. May the light of our King shining through us draw people to us as it did to Him. Let’s get off our high horse and seek to impact and not to impress. May the way we live remind the world of what this week is all about—a Humble King. That’s God’s Word for you today.