A King on a Donkey

It was Sunday—the day we now call Palm Sunday. Without a doubt, this wasn’t Jesus’ first visit to Jerusalem. As a devout Jew, He would’ve gone to the city every year for the three great feasts (LUKE 2:41–42; JOHN 2:13; 5:1)� In the past three years, Christ had also ministered and taught in Jerusalem. But this Sunday His coming into the city was radically different.

By riding a young donkey into Jerusalem at a time when thousands of worshippers were coming into the city, Jesus was the centre of attention (MATTHEW 21:9–11). Why would He take the place of prominence before thousands of people when for the past three years He’d deliberately kept a low profile? Why would He accept the people’s proclamation that He was King just five days before His death?

Matthew says that this took place to fulfil a five-hundred-year-old prophecy (MATTHEW 21:4–5) that God’s chosen king would come into Jerusalem “righteous and victorious, [yet] lowly and riding on a donkey”

(ZECHARIAH 9:9; SEE ALSO GENESIS 49:10–11)�

This was a truly unusual way for a triumphant king to enter a city� Conquering kings normally rode on mighty stallions. But Jesus didn’t come riding a warhorse. This reveals what kind of King Jesus is. He came in meekness and lowliness Jesus came not for war, but for peace, establishing peace between God and us (ACTS 10:36; COLOSSIANS 1:20)�

A Prayer of Thanks for Salvation's Peace

Jesus, thank You for coming into Jerusalem to reveal that You are the triumphant King of peace. You have redeemed and restored me by Your own hand. Thank You that I don’t need to hold on to my guilt. I don’t need to punish myself for my sins. I don’t need to hide away in sorrow. I just need to come to You, as I am, and receive Your forgiveness and peace. Amen

A Prayer of Repentance

Lord God, when I stray, I feel so unworthy of Your love. Yet Your Word is full of grace and welcome for those who repent. I confess my sin today and step again into the peace of Christ, my Saviour. Thank You that His arms of grace are open wide to me in each and every moment of my life. In His precious name. Amen

A Prayer for Pure Living

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit living within me to help me live in purity and goodness. I long to walk in holy ways that are a blessing for myself and others. I don’t have the strength myself; but You do. I commit my way to You; may I experience the peace and power of Your Spirit at work in my life. Amen

6 Verses about Our Peace with God

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The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace� Psalm 29:11

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests� Luke 2:14

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you� John 14:27

Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ� Romans 5:1

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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace� Colossians 3:15

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Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way� The Lord be with all of you� 2 Thessalonians 3:16