The King is in Town, Part 1
Bethphage, Blog, Creator, Cross, Deity, Erik Garthe, Freedom, God, God’s Word, Gospels, Homage, Hosanna, Isaiah, Jerusalem, Jesus, Jesus Christ, King, King of the Jews, Lord, Messianic, Multitudes, No Longer Conformed, Omniscience, Owner, Passover, Plan of Salvation, Prophecy, Prophet, Romans, Royalty, Sacrificial Lamb, Son of David, The King is in Town - Part 1, Throne, Town, Zechariah
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Matthew 21:1-11 records that point where all four gospels converge and together narrate the final movement of Jesus to the cross. The King arrived in Jerusalem but He didn’t take His throne: He had other work
to accomplish first. He will be back one day and then He will sit on the throne! In the meantime, let’s see what this passage tells us. First, Jesus’ deity is displayed—“If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them.’ and immediately he will send them.” (v. 3) There was no time to make prior arrangements, since they had just arrived in Bethphage. How did He know those things? Omniscience: He is God: Creator of all things; Owner of all things. Second, Jesus’ prophecy is fulfilled—“All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet.” (v. 4) Compare this to Zechariah 9:9 and Isaiah 62:11 and you find it is a precise fulfillment of messianic prophecy. That would have caught the attention of the people; it’s what they waited so long for. Third, Jesus’ identity is revealed—“The multitudes … cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest!’” (v. 9) What a scene! People lined the way and threw clothing on the road before Him as He came. This was an ancient custom for paying homage to royalty. The people recognized Him as King of the Jews. Of course, they rejected Jesus several days later because He didn’t deliver what they wanted: freedom from the Romans (not from sin). The irony is that it was (sacrificial) lamb selection day, five days before the Passover. However, the wait for the Messiah had been so long that the leaders got used to life as it was, and when it finally happened they either couldn’t or wouldn’t believe! Don’t let that attitude be yours. God’s Word presents the record of Jesus Christ and His plan of salvation. Don’t miss it like they did!
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
