The coronation of most earthly kings throughout history was designed to either create feelings of being awestruck or being overwhelmed with fear. Kings would march into the city on a mighty war horse with an entourage of formidable warriors. Not so with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. When He arrived for His coronation, He rode into the city on a little donkey followed by peasants and children. The common folk loved Him. The religious folk hated Him. The military was annoyed by Him. Jesus’ mission was not to conquer the world through war. His plan was to conquer through love and peace. Today we will take a close look at His humble coordination day.

TODAY’S TEXT

After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!” But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!””

(Luke 19:28–40, NLT)

When the Prince of Peace finally came to this day, unlike other approaching Kings, instead of strengthening his forces for war, Jesus wept over the city and prepared for His sacrificial death. 

But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.”” (Luke 19:41–44, NLT)

Have you heard the voice of the Messiah and answered His call?

Have you recognized your day of visitation?

Pastor Mike