"Donkey Declarations"

EPISODE 117

Rejoice and Praise the King

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The time has come for Jesus to enter Jerusalem — a moment he's mentioned many times during his ministry. In only a few days, he'll face the angry crowds and be led away to his public execution. But as he makes his way into the holy city, riding on a donkey, the people shout their songs of praise and honor for their King.

"… as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen" (Luke 19:36-37).

So, as Jesus made his way through the jacket-lined roads, let's look at a few of the things he heard along the way.

"Blessed is the King"

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Luke 19:38).

Reciting an old familiar phrase from their songbook, they're doing just as the psalm continues, "... We bless you from the house of the Lord" (Psalm 118:26). Like a royal procession into the city, they show their King the highest honor and praise as he makes his way through the gates.

But Jesus knew they'd shout these words of praise when he came back. As he lamented the rejection of Jerusalem long before this joyful day, he said, "Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'" (Luke 13:35).

"Peace and Glory"

"... Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38).

If Jesus' life could be summarized in two words, "peace" and "glory" may be the most appropriate. He brought an otherworldly peace to the faithful who follow him (John 14:27). His whole life brought glory and honor to the Lord (John 12:27-28). But sadly, those who shouted his praise from the streets would soon be crying for his death just a few days later (Luke 23:21).

While these are fitting words for a time of celebration, we've heard them before in Jesus' life. Like bookends, they're said at the end, but also at the beginning of his time on earth. Remember the heavenly hosts who exclaimed at his birth, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:13-14)?

While the people shouted, the religious leaders tried to silence them. But he said, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out" (Luke 19:39-40).

So, let's cry out today. As living stones in his spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), let's rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all his mighty works!