Did you know that the Gospel is good news for everyone? It’s life changing good news for every person ever born. This is the good news that saves us. That Jesus died for our sin and rose from the grave so that we can have full life in him. This is a message that everyone needs to hear.
We have been in a series that’s total focus has been examining the life of Jesus and seeing how in his actions and teachings, Jesus brings good news for all people. As we are nearing the end of this series I want to focus on a moment in time. It’s the moment Jesus rides into Jerusalem. You see in the Gospel of Mark Jesus has three times told his followers that he would die. On the third time he also told them that three days later he would rise again (Mark 10:34).
What does Jesus’ death and sacrifice mean to you? How will you reflect on it this Easter season to truly appreciate what Jesus has done for all of us?
This whole time as Jesus continues to point to his upcoming death, he is on a journey that leads him to Jerusalem. This is where his death will take place. A normal person if they knew that death awaited in the city of Jerusalem would simply head in the complete opposite direction. Jesus, knowing what awaited him in Jerusalem headed straight there.
It points out an important fact that we need to know heading into Easter. Jesus’s life was not taken from him, but he freely gave it away. On the night Jesus dies he tells Pilot: “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11)
Jesus loved us so much that he gave his life for us. And as he arrives in Jerusalem. The place he knows he will die; he rides in as KING.
Jesus sent his followers ahead and told them they would find a colt tied up. If anyone asked about it, they were to say that the Lord needs it.
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Mark 11:4-10
Kings riding into cities was commonplace in this culture. Kings being worshipped as they road into cities was also common, but this was different. Jesus didn’t ride in on a warhorse. Jesus didn't strike fear into the hearts of people through oppression. Jesus humbly road into Jerusalem on the back of a colt, a donkey.
Jesus fulfills scripture when he does so.
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.
Zechariah 9:9
Jesus is not what the world expects. He’s both Lord, and King but also humble and a servant. He is the Lion: King, Lord, Messiah but also the Lamb: Humble, Gentle, Our Sacrifice.
The Good News is that Jesus is not like earthly kings. He stands apart from what the world expects. He sets an example for us on how to live, how to interact with others. Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve. (Mark 10:45)
This is how we should live too. Looking to put others first. Looking to treat others with love and respect. Not looking for power or authority but looking to show love and kindness.
As you prepare yourself for Easter, as you reflect on who Jesus is and why he came, how can you live more like him every day? How through your reading of scripture can you learn from Jesus to live like Jesus?
We have an opportunity in the days leading up to Resurrection Sunday to consider the great price Jesus paid for our sin. The sacrifice that Jesus made for each of us.
We have an opportunity to remember what Jesus has done for us.
Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Join us for Easter at White Oak! To find out more, click below.
Kevin Smith
Colerain Campus Pastor
White Oak Christian Church