During our Lenten devotional over the last 40 days, we have seen how Jesus has prepared himself for every difficult task ahead on his journey leading him to the Cross. Each step of the way he is obedient and relies on God to prepare him and give him the strength to do what he needs to do next.
- It was after he was baptized by John the Baptist and the Spirit of God descended on him like a dove, filling and strengthening him, that Jesus trekked into the wilderness to be tested by the enemy.
- It was after he used the Word of God as a weapon to withstand all that the enemy tempted him with, that Jesus began his public ministry. He was ready.
- It was after Jesus, high on a mountain, began praying to God, that he experienced the transfiguration. His face shone, and his clothes became bright white. When Moses and Elijah appeared and talked to Jesus about his coming departure—what he would soon accomplish in Jerusalem—it was more than a heavenly visitation. Moses represented God’s law about to be fulfilled in Jesus, and Elijah represented the words of the prophets foretelling the coming of the Messiah, who now stood before them. And God, himself, confirmed it all, saying, This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy, which made clear, Jesus’ divine authority.
- It was after Jesus admonished his disciples to have faith the size of a mustard seed in healing a boy—knowing how important their faith would be in their future ministry—that Jesus headed for Jerusalem. He knew what awaited him there and what he had to accomplish. He was preparing his disciples for what was to come.
Every step Jesus took was deliberate.
As the Passover festival began in Jerusalem, Jesus knew exactly what he was doing when he rode into the city on a donkey. He was fulfilling the words of the prophet, Zechariah (9:9) Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey. He was boldly declaring himself King—the long-awaited Messiah. It was at a time and place where huge crowds would witness it, and it was unmistakable to the people in the city.
The crowds shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! (Matthew 21:1-10) As Jesus rode through the streets of Jerusalem, they spread their cloaks on the road and cut branches from the trees, from palms, as a symbol of victory and triumph.
FINALLY, the long-awaited Messiah—the rescuer of God’s people—was going to free them from Roman oppression. He was going to restore Israel to its former glory. They placed their expectations on him like a heavy crown.
But Jesus knew what his mission was, and that it would not look like anyone expected. His mission was to follow the will of God, his Father—even though he knew the path was going to be a painful one.
For us, it’s often in hindsight that we can really see how God was preparing and strengthening us for something difficult, for something painful. It reminds me of Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I don’t think we’re strong enough (at least I’m not), to know, like Jesus did, all that was coming and to still stand strong. We can take just a little at a time. He is our perfect example of how to handle hard things.
But Jesus boldly took his next step forward in the streets of Jerusalem, in the face of his enemies. He deliberately chose to do it…for us.