Message summary: Today we choose to welcome Jesus Christ not in word only, but with faithful hearts and obedient lives.

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"See, your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9).

Yesterday we began what is commonly called Holy Week on Palm Sunday, so named because of the waving of palm branches, when Jesus entered Jerusalem. But it is also known as the Triumphal Entry. If you're like me you may have wondered about this term since He entered the city to suffer. (We may also wonder about the term "Good" Friday when that's the day Jesus died.)

Stephen J. Bedard writes, "This would be a triumphal entry because Jesus was choosing to suffer the worst so that He could offer us the best."

The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem reveals both His identity and His mission. As Jesus rides into the city on a humble donkey, He fulfills the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, showing that He is the promised King—but not the kind of king people expected.

On Palm Sunday the crowds welcomed Him with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna”, meaning "God save us" hoping for a political savior who would free them from Roman rule. But that which Jesus came to save us from was far, even infinitely, greater. Jesus came to bring salvation and a kingdom not of this world.

The donkey symbolized humility and peace, reminding us that Jesus’ kingdom is not built on power or force, but on His love, sacrifice, and truth. Just days later, the same crowd that praised Him would turn against Him—showing how quickly human hearts can change.

This challenges us to reflect on how we receive Jesus. Do we welcome Him only for what we expect Him to do for us? Those on Palm Sunday expected regime change but Jesus came for a much higher and lasting purpose.

Do we truly accept Him as Lord, even when His ways are different from our expectations? In fact there are many expectations in life that will not be met, but our greatest and most pressing need has been met. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

It is vital that we examine our own faith. Are we consistent in our commitment, or do we follow Him only when He meets our expectations? Jesus still comes to us today, gently and humbly, asking to be the King of our lives.

Today we choose to welcome Him not in word only, but with faithful hearts and obedient lives. Let us be ready to follow Him all the way—not only in moments of celebration, but also through sacrifice and surrender.

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber