The Lowly King
The King has come to Jerusalem.
The prophet Zechariah wrote, “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.”
What king is this? What king comes to Jerusalem victorious over his enemies, and yet, lowly and humble? What earthly king is righteous? What king is this?
Jesus, is this You, who, being the King, still appeared in humility? A baby in a manger, a child of Nazareth, a servant of God, and a sacrifice for all humankind.
Jesus, are you the King who did not feast within banquet halls and sit down to dine with the elite? Your banquets were with tax collectors, sinners, and the downtrodden of society. Your meals were shared with twelve unremarkable men.
Jesus, are you this king? Although King, you did not dress in royal robes. You did not wear a bejeweled crown on Your Head. You chose a crown of thorns.
Could you be the king spoken of by the prophet, Jesus? You had no golden chariot, no courtly entourage in your procession. You walked where you went, and you entered Jerusalem riding on a borrowed donkey.
Jesus, are you this victorious king? Should Jerusalem shout with joy over Your coming? When you came to her, she did not recognize you. When you appeared to the people of Zion, they rejected your presence.
How about the righteous part, Jesus? Are you that righteous King Zechariah wrote about? You were sinless. No person could find fault with you. You did harm to no one. But to countless people, you are healing, freedom, and salvation.
We refused to accept your victory. We were confused by your humility. A lowly King was not our desire, a righteous King was not our hope. Our hearts were set on OUR imaginary ruler. We were not fit for the TRUE King.
Yes, I do believe You are that King, Lord Jesus. You are the victorious King, lowly in stature, and yet the righteousness of God to all who believe. Jesus, You are the King who chooses to be poor, who fellowships with the broken, who shed His blood for those who rejected You, who glorifies Father God rather than Himself, and who sets His eyes on the Kingdom of God rather than the kingdom of this world. Daughter Jerusalem, rejoice indeed! For Jesus Christ, your King, has come to you.