Matthew 21:4-5 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to the Daughter of Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'”

Jesus was very explicitly declaring His Kingship here, knowing it would trigger His arrest and crucifixion. He had already fulfilled many prophecies, only a few of which He acknowledged at the time, but here He is deliberately initiating the fulfillment. Many in the crowd recognized the prophetic allusion, which is why they hailed Him as “The Son of David.” (verse 10) However, they were looking for a political and military king, which was exactly what the chief priests and scribes were afraid of (verse 15), knowing that it would bring the wrath of Rome down on them. Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead, (John 11) so talk of His supernatural power was going around. However, Jesus wasn’t the kind of king the people thought they needed. We often blind ourselves to things God has for us by insisting how they should be, rather than letting God do what is best. Jesus is indeed King, but right now submission to His Lordship is strictly a matter of faith and choice. The day will come when that will no longer be an option, and every tongue will confess His Lordship. (Philippians 2:11) However, if the choice hasn’t been made before then, that confession will be bitter indeed. Right now, confessing Jesus as Lord is a matter of faith that brings salvation (Romans 10:9-10), but when He returns as King and Judge, it will be a confession of guilt before sentencing. Today we see many people denying the Lordship of Jesus in no uncertain terms. Those who hold to Biblical standards are pilloried as “homophobic bigots” and the like. That is currently on public display in reaction to the ascent of Oral Roberts University in the area of college basketball, with some insisting that their stated moral code of behavior “disqualifies” them from being acknowledged as successful. Dark is becoming darker and the light all the brighter in contrast, and that is no reference to race. Believers have the privilege of proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ to all who will receive it, so that all who will receive it may be saved while there is still time.

I have dedicated my life to proclaiming that Jesus is Lord, but the question always remains of my own submission to His Lordship. As He Himself said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) I am to be submitted to Him in order to resist the devil (James 4:7) and walk in His victory. The spiritual battle is intense, and I cannot afford to be lax. (It just hit me that LAX is the international code for Los Angeles International Airport, which is the nexus of an incredible amount of anti-christian rot!) If I am to operate in His authority, I must be submitted to that authority. Thankfully, the power is in Him and not in me. As Paul said, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) In this “graveyard of missionaries” I can proclaim Christ and bring many to repentance and faith, for their salvation and the glory of God.

Father, thank You for this powerful reminder. Thank You for all that You are doing, in and around and even through me. Thank You for the message You have given me on “King Jesus” for today, Palm Sunday. I pray that it would produce Your results, in those present and those participating electronically, for the defeat of the enemy and the salvation of many, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!