King of Zion
Devotional by Tony Gonzalez
Read Matthew 21:1-11
Matthew 21:1-11
The Triumphal Entry
21 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Devotional
Over the next eight days, we will journey together through the final days of Jesus’ ministry, culminating in his death, burial, and resurrection. Each day, we will consider different names or titles of Jesus and uncover what they reveal about him and his character.
In Matthew 21:1-11, we witness a pivotal moment in Jesus Christ’s ministry as he enters Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, amidst cheers of “Hosanna to the Son of David!” The crowd lays down cloaks and palm branches, recognizing Jesus as their King. This event fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which declares, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The significance of Jesus being hailed as the King of Zion lies in the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the establishment of his divine authority.
First, Jesus’ way of entry aligns with Zechariah’s prophecy, symbolizing humility and peace. Unlike earthly kings who ride on horses, Jesus chooses a donkey, showing humility and servanthood. This signifies his kingship not as one of earthly power and domination but of righteousness and salvation. The designation “King of Zion” holds profound theological meaning. Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem, symbolizes God’s presence and reign among his people. By proclaiming Jesus as the King of Zion, the crowds affirm his divine authority over all creation. He is not merely a political leader but the Sovereign of the spiritual Kingdom and the foundation of a new era of salvation and restoration.
Furthermore, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem marks the beginning of his journey to the cross. Despite the praise of the crowds, Jesus knew the path ahead would be one of suffering and sacrifice. As the King of Zion, he willingly embraced his role as the sacrificial Lamb, offering himself for the redemption of humanity. His kingship transcends temporal power, focusing instead on eternal salvation.
Additionally, the crowd’s response highlights the Jewish people’s expectation of the Messiah. They recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of their long-awaited hope, the promised King who would deliver them from oppression and establish God’s kingdom. However, their understanding of the Messiah’s mission was limited to earthly deliverance, whereas Jesus came to offer spiritual liberation from sin.
Ultimately, Jesus’s kingship extends beyond the boundaries of time and space. He reigns as the King of Zion not only over a physical territory but also over the hearts and lives of believers all over the world. As we acknowledge Jesus as our King, we submit to his authority, surrendering our lives to his lordship and participating in establishing his kingdom on earth.
As you reflect on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, how can you acknowledge Jesus as King, embrace his reign in your life, and eagerly anticipate his glorious return?
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
-Colossians 1:15-20
This morning as I reflect on Christ’s entry, I recognize that having a heart of surrender acknowledges Him as King; my moment by moment acts of obedience embraces His reign in life; my continual discipline of telling others about the gospel shows that I eagerly await His return, not wanting ANYone to experience eternal separation from God!
Reading of his simultaneous humility and kingship, how he was both eternally powerful yet also meek amazes me. It is a helpful reminder that I need to continually look at him as the true Lord and humble leader of my life. Because of how who he is and how he reigns, it makes me only want to follow his ways.
Jesus is the king of my life!! I surrender all my heart to Him. I want to always make Him the most important thing in my life. There are times when the world creeps in to draw my attention away from Him. I must make the time and space to always spend time with Him in prayer and in His word. I know one day will be in His presence and can’t imagine what it will be like. I anticipate the moment of Jesus presence with joy. .
Oh King of Glory Thy will be done. Redeem us in Your mercy. We bow before You this day Jesus Amen
The disciples needed good transportation for the King. They would probably have wanted a Mustang or Bronco but Jesus chooses the Pinto model to show his true nature. He is the suffering servant who humbly dies for us. Seeing Him as how He wants to be seen helps me worship Him fully.
Jesus is the King of Glory and His kingdom will be for eternity. Thank you for being my savior and king.🙏🏾
PRAISE THE LORD AND AMEN!!🙏📖🙏⛪ I want the Lord in my life always. He is my Lord and Savior always and my and my number one person to go to. 🙏📖🙏⛪
“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. ” Matthew 11: 28-30
What a divine paradox our Lord & Savior can be. The infinitely powerful God is gentle and lowly in heart. He invites us to join Him.
I accept the fact that he states his return in the Bible, because we should know the truth of his existence from his prophecy. Because as mentioned that to meet the lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
This is my favorite week of the year. Looking forward to all the celebrations.
Did you know that a Donkey is the only animal in the world with a cross on its back? Jesus the Messiah came into Jerusalem on the cross and he also left Jerusalem with a cross.
Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Thank you Jesus for taking ALL our sins on You!
I did not know what you meant by a cross on the donkey back up till I view the picture taking of cfbc children today petting a donkey on cfbc webpage
I never realized this until I read your comment.
What an amazing reminder of Jesus’ triumphant entry and his road to the cross where he laid down his life and shed his blood to cover all sin to those who accept him as their Savior. Thank you Jesus for saving my life!
This Palm Sunday I welcome MY KING! Thank you God for your wonder-working power. There truly isn’t one like you. King Jesus use me fir Your glory…YOURS ALONE!
*for
Oh for a thousand tongues to sing praises to Jesus! How could one ever adequately write about His sacrifice and grace to us!
If Jesus can use a donkey and her colt, and even says he “needs them,” God can use me and make me a necessary (by God’s choice), although not required (by some external factor since God is self-sufficient), part of his kingdom work.
Thank you Jesus for Your humility of going to the cross to pay the price for my sins! What a wonderful Savior You are. I will worship You for my entire life!
Can you imagine the hypocrisy of the people who praised Him on Sunday and demanded His death on the cross later that week? Only Jesus can forgive people like that who purposely turn their back on Him and reject His salvation. Lord Jesus, reach those wayward sinners who desperately need Your salvation.