When I was a teenager, I drove a 1966 Ford Mustang. It had a Boss 302 engine with a three-quarter racing cam. It also had a 3:11 rearend and a Hersh shifter. The only problem was that it was held together by Bondo. The winter weather in Michigan and the salty roads had eaten away the body. It was a rust bucket. But that car won me many races. People would look at the outside and be fooled.
This got me thinking, Jesus did that one time when he rode into Jerusalem. He came riding into town on a young donkey. This is the same Jesus who in Mark 4:39, “rebuked the wind, and said to the sea: Peace, be still. And the wind ceased: and there was made a great calm”. I’m afraid you and I would have picked a white stallion. Or maybe even a supped-up chariot. One that had a Cleveland 451 motor under the hood. A convertible with wide tires and dual exhaust. We might even have the Eagles playing on our 8-track cassette player. You younger folks will have to google that one.
Well back to my story, why did Jesus choose a donkey of all animals to ride into Jerusalem. Does Jesus have something against Ford’s? No, I know Jesus loved Fords, because he walked everywhere he went. It’s okay you’ll get it in a minute. Seriously, I’d assume Jesus choose a donkey because he is a humble King. A king that wasn’t all about outward appearances. In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus said, “come unto me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” When Jesus was arrested, Peter drew his sword and was ready to fight. Yet Jesus said, put your sword away. Don’t you know I could have called twelve legions of Angels and my Father would send them. When Jesus stood before Pilate, he asked him, are you the King of the Jews. Jesus replied, “My Kingdom is not of this world”. If it was my servants would fight.” Don’t be fooled, Jesus entered the city on a little donkey, but he contained the power to change the world. In a few days, he would lead his captives free. He would defeat his enemies. In Colossians 2:15 it says, When He (Jesus) had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.” Jesus’ march to the cross was his victory over death. And that death freed his servants from a life of sin. He may of rode a donkey that day, but he contained the supernatural power to wipe out his enemy, the devil and all his armies.
Can you picture it. Jesus is riding into town while the crowds are laying their coats and palm branches on the ground. The crowd is shouting, “Hosana to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” However, it wouldn’t be long, and the very same people who are shouting Hosana will shout crucify him, crucify him. They will soon forget that Jesus is the same person they just shouted “Hosana in the highest.” They would forget that he is the King. But King of a different world. And one day the King is going to return with a loud shout, and a loud trumpet sound. And he will claim all those that are his. (Matthew 24:31).
I wonder if we are any different today. Statistics say that the Sunday after Easter is the least attended worship service. The build up is amazing. Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. People flock to worship like no other Sunday except maybe Christmas. But within a few days they forget all about the King. On Monday they shout “Hosana” and a few days later they shout, “crucify him’. Will you join me today and shout “Hosana to the Highest”. Like the song Lead Me to Calvary says. “King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be; Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary.” Lord don’t let us be deceived by your humble entrance, by the passing of time, or by our busy lives. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” ( Psalms 51:10). And this is Jesse Walker with the Glenwood Church of Christ.
Hosanna!
Amen. Hosanna in the Highest!