Thy King Cometh

The Story

About five hundred years before Jesus, the prophet Zechariah wrote a strange picture of Israel’s king. He would come to Jerusalem, righteous and bringing salvation. But he wouldn’t ride a warhorse. He would be “lowly, and riding upon an ass.”

Kings rode horses into battle. A donkey was what you rode in peace.

Five centuries later, Jesus and His disciples came near Jerusalem, to the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two disciples into the village ahead. You’ll find a donkey tied there with her colt, He said. Untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone asks, say, “The Lord hath need of them.”

The disciples did as He said. They laid their coats on the animals, and Jesus sat on them.

A huge crowd spread their coats on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and laid them down. The crowds in front and behind shouted, “Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”

The whole city of Jerusalem was stirred. “Who is this?” people asked.

Matthew explains: all this happened to fulfill what the prophet said. “Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek.”

Reflection