The Humble King Who Comes
04/13/2025
“Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
— Matthew 21:5 (NIV)
There is something powerfully paradoxical about Matthew 21:5. A King is arriving. Not just any king, but the King. The One prophesied about for generations. The Messiah. And yet, He comes not with a chariot or sword, not with armies or trumpets, but with gentleness, riding on a donkey.
In our world, power is often shown through dominance. Think of political campaigns, CEO announcements, or military parades. Strength is usually projected with fanfare and pride. But Jesus redefines leadership, kingship, and greatness by choosing humility. His entrance into Jerusalem was not a display of force but of peace. It was a fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, where the prophet foretold a king who would come in righteousness and salvation, yet be “gentle and riding on a donkey.”
Imagine the confusion this must have caused. The people shouted “Hosanna!” expecting political liberation from Rome, but Jesus came to liberate their souls. They wanted a revolution, but He came to redeem. His path led not to a palace but to a cross.
It reminds me of a story I once heard about a young man named Alex who took over his family business. Everyone expected him to fire people, tighten controls, and rule with an iron fist. Instead, he met every employee, learned their names, and worked side-by-side with them. Morale soared. Trust deepened. And the business flourished. Not because of power, but because of humility. Alex led like Jesus, gentle, present, and full of grace.
Jesus still comes to us in gentleness. He doesn’t kick down the door of our hearts, He knocks. He doesn’t demand allegiance, He invites us to follow. When we embrace that same posture in our relationships, with gentleness, humility, and peace, we reflect the very nature of Christ our King.
Here are a few things that you can do, starting today, to become more like Jesus.
Practice gentleness in your next difficult conversation. Don’t aim to win, aim to love.
Reflect on how Jesus entered your life. Was it with force or grace? Write about it or share it with someone.
Honor someone today who leads with humility. Encourage them—they’re reflecting Jesus.
Think of one area in your life where you’ve been trying to “ride in” with control or dominance. Surrender it to Christ today. Let Him lead you with the same gentleness He modeled. Walk into that space, not with pride, but with peace.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the kind of King who doesn’t come with force but with grace. You didn’t ride in to conquer cities, but to capture hearts. Help me to follow Your example. Let me lead with humility, speak with gentleness, and walk in peace. May I reflect You in the way I approach others today. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
— Matthew 21:5 (NIV)
There is something powerfully paradoxical about Matthew 21:5. A King is arriving. Not just any king, but the King. The One prophesied about for generations. The Messiah. And yet, He comes not with a chariot or sword, not with armies or trumpets, but with gentleness, riding on a donkey.
In our world, power is often shown through dominance. Think of political campaigns, CEO announcements, or military parades. Strength is usually projected with fanfare and pride. But Jesus redefines leadership, kingship, and greatness by choosing humility. His entrance into Jerusalem was not a display of force but of peace. It was a fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, where the prophet foretold a king who would come in righteousness and salvation, yet be “gentle and riding on a donkey.”
Imagine the confusion this must have caused. The people shouted “Hosanna!” expecting political liberation from Rome, but Jesus came to liberate their souls. They wanted a revolution, but He came to redeem. His path led not to a palace but to a cross.
It reminds me of a story I once heard about a young man named Alex who took over his family business. Everyone expected him to fire people, tighten controls, and rule with an iron fist. Instead, he met every employee, learned their names, and worked side-by-side with them. Morale soared. Trust deepened. And the business flourished. Not because of power, but because of humility. Alex led like Jesus, gentle, present, and full of grace.
Jesus still comes to us in gentleness. He doesn’t kick down the door of our hearts, He knocks. He doesn’t demand allegiance, He invites us to follow. When we embrace that same posture in our relationships, with gentleness, humility, and peace, we reflect the very nature of Christ our King.
Here are a few things that you can do, starting today, to become more like Jesus.
Practice gentleness in your next difficult conversation. Don’t aim to win, aim to love.
Reflect on how Jesus entered your life. Was it with force or grace? Write about it or share it with someone.
Honor someone today who leads with humility. Encourage them—they’re reflecting Jesus.
Think of one area in your life where you’ve been trying to “ride in” with control or dominance. Surrender it to Christ today. Let Him lead you with the same gentleness He modeled. Walk into that space, not with pride, but with peace.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the kind of King who doesn’t come with force but with grace. You didn’t ride in to conquer cities, but to capture hearts. Help me to follow Your example. Let me lead with humility, speak with gentleness, and walk in peace. May I reflect You in the way I approach others today. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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