“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous + victorious, lowly + riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” —Zechariah 9:9 NIV
That prophecy was given 500 years before Jesus entered Jerusalem.
He fulfilled it perfectly by entering Jerusalem riding on a donkey as our humble, gentle King.
It’s interesting that in most coronation ceremonies during this era, when the king entered there was reverence, awe + even a sense of fear.
The king was usually dressed in really regal, royal clothing that indicated his superiority + position.
The coronation ceremony itself was filled with lots of pomp + ceremony. The king was usually riding a stallion or warhorse.
But Jesus—the King of the Universe—entered Jerusalem surrounded, not by heads of state, but by crowds of people He had recently healed + people still wanting healing.
He entered Jerusalem surrounded by the poor, children, outcasts + rejects, riding on a young donkey.
One of the things that Jesus demonstrated throughout His life was that salvation + freedom came through weakness, not through strength.
It came through humility + surrender, not through pride + power plays.
Another thought about Jesus riding a donkey . . .
In that era, it wasn’t uncommon for a king to ride a donkey. The only issue was when the king rode a donkey.
If a king was going to war, he would ride a warhorse as a sign + symbol of his power + authority. But when a king was not at war, he would ride a donkey as a symbol that he had come in peace.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey, it was a symbol that He was the King who had come to bring peace—peace with God + peace between people.
Perhaps you’re reading this + in desperate need of peace today.
Don’t worry, Jesus came to bring peace!
Today’s Verse: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous + victorious, lowly + riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” — Zechariah 9:9 NIV
Today’s Prompt: Do you believe the peace Jesus brings is for you?
Today’s Gratitude: I am grateful that salvation + freedom comes through weakness, humility + surrender + not strength, pride + power plays.
Today’s Prayer: Father, I am in need of the peace of Jesus. Help me remember that Jesus arrived gentle + lowly, on a symbol of peace, which demonstrates His absolute, healing, peace-giving love for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
