"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." - Zechariah 9:9
This mysterious prophecy is given a little over 500 years before Jesus made His entry into Jerusalem for the final time.. Throughout Jesus' earthly life He consistently obeyed God's Law. The final three years of His earthly life He consistently fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.. Some would see and rejoice - some would see and be angered. The time was approaching for Jesus to fulfill the supreme purpose for which He had come to earth (die for our sin) and fulfill the most incredible prophecy given (rise from the dead) Some understood that He was actually fulfilling prophecy - John writes; "And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" - His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about Him and had been done to Him." - John 12:14-16.
Although a relative few realized He was fulfilling prophecy, no one misunderstood what Jesus was doing... They believed the prophecy, they just didn't believe in the One fulfilling it. The Jews were expecting a king... Jesus rode into Jerusalem that Palm Sunday presenting Himself as the King of the Jews. Even without saying a word about being King, Jesus' actions show them the claims He is making. He presents Himself as Israel's long awaited King.. A one greater than David. Again to quote the apostle John; "He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him." - John 1:11. Later that week, after event filled days and many more prophecies fulfilled, Jesus is arrested and He is charged with blasphemy - So Jesus, who had ridden into town presenting Himself as King is rejected - The Jewish authorities go so far as saying that Caesar was their only King (talk about your blasphemy!?) John 19:15. - This rejection also fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies.. Jesus is put to death on a cross and three days later, rises from the tomb (fulfilling prophecy).
This Holy Week, take special time to read through the Gospel accounts. Note well the Old Testament quotations - this will strengthen your faith as you realize God not only WAS, but IS!
Rejoice this Easter season with the hope of resurrection! This life is NOT all there is.. We MUST be prepared for the next... Have you trusted in the death of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to pay for your sin? If not, trust Him by faith. Place all your hope in Him... He is mighty to save! He rose from the dead to prove He is who He claimed to be, and to show that new, resurrection life awaits all who trust Him by faith! Rejoice, the Lord is King!
