A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of [Jesus] and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:8-9
A Hero’s Welcome
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, a large crowd was waiting to welcome him. They spread their cloaks and branches on the road. They shouted joyful praise. They gave him a hero’s welcome. Yet, the question needs to be asked: Did they really understand why Jesus came?
It is a question worth asking ourselves. Do I see Jesus as a conquering hero? Do I see him as a long-desired king? Or do I see him as something more?
Yes, Jesus did come as a conquering hero. The victory he came to secure was not over an earthly enemy, however. His battle was against the devil, who sought complete dominion over us. His battle was against death and the grave, which desired to hold us in its gloomy darkness.
Jesus came as a hero to rescue us. He fought all the enemies that wanted to bring eternal destruction. And even though it meant giving up his own life, he secured the victory. Through Jesus’ precious work, we are free from the devil’s control and the fear of death. We are free from the power of the grave.
Jesus deserves a hero’s welcome for what he accomplished. He deserves even more for what he continues to do richly and daily. He also deserves honor, love, and praise as our Lord and King.
By faith, we acknowledge and live under his loving reign and honor and praise him for his victory. By faith, we can give him the hero’s welcome he deserves.
Prayer:
O blessed Jesus, I thank you for coming to rescue me. Fill me with love to trust you. Fill me with strength to follow you. Fill me with joy to praise you. Amen.
