In following Jesus, we must have both the right King and the right Kingdom. It has to be both. If we have only the right King, we turn into the crowd when Jesus doesn’t do His will our “way.” If we have the right Kingdom but the wrong King, we become modern-day Pharisees—uber-religious, and our faith becomes a power play to control society around us. And doesn’t that sound like every political party vying for your vote this November?
We almost named this message “Jesus for President,” but we said, “That’s probably going to scare EVERYONE away before they even get here. So let’s at least get them here and then make them mad (kidding, relax, lol).” But let’s read today’s text and then break it down.
Luke 19:28-44
28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples,30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.'” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.”
Stop right there! This city is packed. The city swells 40-50 times its population this time of year. There’s free residency everywhere; every inn is filled, and every house has people in beds, couches, and floor space. And Jesus is outside with the boys, saying, “Ok, now we go in. Here’s what I want you to do, you and you go this way inside the city, and you’re going to see a donkey tied up. I want you to untie him and bring him to me. Anyone who asks you why you’re untying it, then say ‘the Lord needs it’ and throw him a peace sign.”
The first donkey-theft auto in history was done by Jesus. If it were me, I would’ve come in a camel with more of a Range Rover-type feel, or maybe an ox with more of an F-150 truck, or a Bronco kind of like a…bronco. Not Jesus. He’s like, “Just inside the gates, you’re gonna see a moped. Break the lock, kick it in first, and if anyone asks, tell ’em Jesus needs it and ride off.”
This is one scene I can’t wait to stream in Heaven. Like what disciples do? Did they stand there playing rock, paper, scissors to see who would do it? Did somebody draw the short straw?
…35 And they brought it to Jesus and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 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 (and they start quoting Psalm 118) 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Do you have any of those verses that just give you goosebumps? This is one of mine. The Pharisees are like: “Jesus, tell your boys to shut up! That’s blasphemy!” I love the certainty and assurance of Jesus. He knew exactly who he was. He had no question about his identity. It’s as if he’s saying, “I am God, and all creation will worship me!”
And he’s basically telling this Pharisee, you either accept me as the son of God or you crucify, but I’m not gonna leave you with a choice. You can tell the people to be quiet, but the rocks will shout. Oh, this is a day for a parade!!
41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it,42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
Oh, this is not the story we colored in Sunday School! There is a parade in his honor. Instead of enjoying it, Jesus mourns. It is as if he were thinking, “This couldn’t have gone any worse.”
You’re missing God in front of you. You cannot get around the fact that he claims to be God; in his miracles, in his teachings, in his actions, and even now, in his tears, he is sure of who he is. See, he’s not just a good teacher, he’s not just a prophet, he’s not some guy who promoted peace and love; when reading Scripture, you cannot deny that he constantly claimed to be God.
Has it ever dawned on you that what we call the triumphant entry ends in heartbreak and tears for Jesus? If the birthday boy cries at the end of his party, should it still be called a good day?
How do you see Jesus? The King of Kings will one day come back and make everything right, but this time He won’t be riding a donkey. Next time, He’ll be riding the clouds on a white horse with the armies of Heaven behind Him, and Revelation 19 says his name is Faithful and True. Together, let’s worship THAT King and seek His Kingdom.