Next Sunday (March 28) we celebrate what has become known as “Palm Sunday.” It is also referred to as the Triumphal Entry. It’s when Jesus rides in to Jerusalem on a donkey down the Mount of Olives.
Everything Jesus did was intentional so; it was not happenstance that He rode in on a donkey on that particular day. His goal for three years was to convince people He was the true Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecy such as; Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Have you ever wondered why He rode in on a donkey and not a horse or even a camel? It was not only to fulfill prophecy but to show He comes in humility and peace. To ride on a horse was symbolic of military might, wealth and strength. He didn’t come as a warrior or revolutionary in the traditional sense, but a humble servant of His Father to carry out His will completely.
There is more to the use of a donkey. Abraham the Father of the Christian faith went through ten tests according to Jewish thought. The last one was the sacrifice of his son, Isaac. On his three-day journey to Mount Moriah, he puts his supplies for the sacrifice on a donkey. This entire experience was meant to paint a portrait of God the Father’s willingness to offer His only Son on our behalf. This image would be far more familiar to the first century Jew than to the 21st century Christian.
However, Jesus’ riding on a donkey not only underscores His humility, but also pointed to the fact that He was greater than Abraham. His work was taken to the next level by Jesus who brought redemption to all who call upon Him in faith. It will be at Jesus’ second coming that will bring complete transformation to all of His creation.
When you truly receive Jesus into your life as Savior and Lord you begin to experience personal peace with God and the formation of a new creation.
Have you received this humble God/man and His peace into your life?
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today 2:30 Confirmation
Sunday 21, 9:00 Morning Lenten worship. Sermon: Return to the Kingdom of God
Sunday 28, 4:00 Living Last Supper performance. Seating limited to 55.
Thursday April 1, 7:00 PM Living Last Supper performance. Seating limited to 55.
Morning worship services may be viewed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Pilot-Knob-Lutheran-Church-Forest-City-IA-431071033738650/ and our website at: www.pilotknob.org (Click on sermon at the very top of the page then Sunday’s Sermon then scroll down to the correct date. It is viewed through Facebook even if you don’t have an account.)
Offerings/donations can be sent to Angie Lawrence or the donation button on our web page.
