Christ the King of Peace - Mark 11
As the disciples and Jesus approached Jerusalem and came to the Mount of Olives, our Lord sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you: "Why are you doing this?" tell him, "The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly." And that's exactly how it happened, and that's exactly what the disciples did and said.
Here we see prophecy fulfilled. Over 500 years before, Zechariah had prophesied that the Messiah would come riding on the foal of a donkey: "Rejoice greatly, 0 Daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zech 9:9).
Why a colt upon which no one had ever ridden? This was in accordance with Biblical culture. An animal devoted to a sacred task must be one that had not been put to ordinary use. For example in Deut 21:3 we read: "the elders are to take a heifer of the herd which has not been worked and which has not pulled in a yoke..."
What is more, riding a donkey (contrary to what we think today) was a kingly act which identified him with the royal line of David. It was only after King David's reign that Hebrew kings switched to horses, and the donkey was considered unsuited to the dignity of kings. King Jesus knew exactly what He was doing when he rode a donkey into Jerusalem to fulfil the great Old Testament Messianic prophecies and identify himself with the royal line of Judah!
But not only did Jesus' choice of the donkey tell the whole world who He was, but it also proclaimed what He was like. Zechariah's prophecy described Jesus as "gentle [humble] and riding on a donkey". Jesus came peacefully, bringing peace (shalom) to our war-torn world.
Seven hundred and fifty years earlier, Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). When he was born, the angels announced "on earth peace to men on whom His favour rests" (Luke 2:14). Now He rode into Jerusalem upon an animal of peace.
Jesus told His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). Jesus is unlike any other king who ever lived.
How unlike He is to the Alexanders, Caesars and Napoleons of this world. What a contrast to the triumphal entry of ancient kings on their war-horses, riding proudly through the gates, cruel-lipped, swords aloft, trailed by captive kings and princes in chains.
Jesus slowly, purposefully came, riding the colt of a donkey. Jesus was totally in control of every detail that day as He rode past the Roman pomp and power and toward the Jewish Temple. His riding of the donkey perfectly portrayed His position as Messiah and His person - He was the Prince of Peace, humble and gentle. "...See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9).
Have you received this King into your life? His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. And all who belong to Him by faith, inherit that kingdom. It is not a kingdom which is here today and gone tomorrow. It is not like the world's - a kingdom of war, turmoil and constant upheaval. It is an everlasting kingdom. It is a kingdom of peace. You need never fear death. You need never fear that one day you will never cease to be. Christ is the eternal King, who gives eternal life to all who believe on Him.
People spend a fortune on making their homes and possessions and investments secure. If only they would do the same to invest their lives in the secure and everlasting kingdom of Christ. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved - you and your household" Acts 16:31.
Is Jesus Christ your King and Saviour? Has He given you His love, joy, peace, gentleness, self-control? Jesus is the King of peace - without Him, no one will ever know peace. On this Palm Sunday, will you welcome the Saviour gladly into your heart and life?