As we enter this weekend, may our hearts be drawn to the heart of creation – Jesus Christ. May the God of the Gospel remind us that the center of our existence is redeemed and repurposed for the Kingdom of God. This weekend we remember the initial signs of the eternal and enduring love of God for His people in the sign of a returning humble king. This humble king was returning not to usurp the high priestly garments, and neither to dethrone local governors of Palestine. The prophet Zechariah announced a return to the people as to deliver and restore the people of God – “On that day the Lord God will save them for they are the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shine on his land.” (Zach. 9.16). The Gospel of Matthew begins his gospel with a christ purposed announcement that the son of Mary, named Jesus, would “save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1.21). It is also close to the end of Matthew’s gospel in which the entrance to Jerusalem (Matt. 21.1-11) was the sign of a particular end. Jesus, the humble donkey rider, announced by the prophet Zechariah, would fulfill only what God could do in that very beginning of the end. This would not be the end of time, but the actual fulfilling of what the history of Israel had been pointing to throughout the Scriptures. The Lord had returned to save His people and the signal of this true and drastic beginning was Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey. Salvation began with the act of a humble Lord. Praise be to this Humble Lord of all.
Join me in reading and in prayer:
Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.
Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way. Let these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way the leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the name of Christ. Amen.