Zechariah 9:9-10

How has our King Jesus been speaking to you?

As Rev James has reminded us over the past few editions of Pastor’s Heart, we have entered into the Lenten season. Historically, the 40-day season of Lent was a period of time set aside in the traditional church calendar as a period of preparation for baptismal candidates, and for the church to contemplate (once again) the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and to look forward to His final return.

Zech 9:9-10
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.
I will take away the chariots from Ephraim
and the war-horses from Jerusalem,
and the battle-bow will be broken.
He will proclaim peace to the nations.
His rule will extend from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.

In Jewish tradition and folklore, the arrival of a conquering king follows a certain pattern. Usually the conquering king enters the city after a great military victory and he enters the city riding on a horse in keeping with his stature. This happens to the city’s joyous praise and adulation. After which, the king will go to the Temple to offer thanksgiving offerings and sacrifices.

The prophecy spoken by Zechariah, however, tells of the coming of a King who is victorious and righteous, but who comes to His people on a lowly donkey. We know that Jesus is the King who fulfilled the prophecy. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem more than 2000 years ago subverts the pattern. In place of a military victory preceding His entrance into the city, Jesus had a ministry of peace and reconciliation. Instead of riding in on a horse, Jesus chose the noble colt. And instead of making an offering of thanksgiving in the Temple, Jesus simply “inspects” the Temple in quiet contemplation.

Perhaps in this season of Lent, it is us, His people, who need to contemplate the kind of King we have ruling over our lives for this
King Jesus will not coerce obedience or force submission out of us. Instead, this King gave His life for ours. How has our King Jesus been speaking to you?