THIS SERIES: EASTER THOUGHTS
Jesus’ contemporaries longed for solutions to their daily struggles, subjugated as they were to Roman domination. And many hoped for a Messiah who would lead them to victory against their overlords. However when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, He was making a clear declaration of the nature of His messianic role.
In biblical times, when a king rode into a community on a donkey, it meant he was coming in peace, not war. So here was Jesus (whose name means ‘God saves’), the Prince of Peace, riding into Jerusalem which means ‘city of peace’, on a donkey, the symbol of peace!
The words of Zechariah’s prophecy would have been ringing in the ears of the discerning:
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 warhorses 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.
[Zechariah 9:9,10]
And it wasn’t just about dealing with conflict, the Greek & Hebrew words for peace also contain the meaning of completeness, safety, contentment, wholeness, prosperity, health & wellbeing. The Lord was coming to His people offering salvation in its widest sense.
What a tragedy that so many missed the point, and didn't recognise that the peace they longed for, was actually riding through their gates. And that others gave Him lip-service, but didn't actually avail themselves of what He was carrying.
The challenge to us is that Jesus, the same yesterday, today & forever, still comes to us offering peace in its fullness. Let’s be people who respond & receive the Prince of Peace.
Most readers seem to prefer to get in touch direct, using the 'Get in Touch!' buttons. However, one or two people have recently indicated they would like the facility to publicly comment under posts, so I have re-opened the public comment option - please feel free to add your thoughts.
The private 'Get in Touch!' option remains the same - please do, I love hearing from people......
Click to read more Blog posts or to find out more about Rhythms of Grace