Matthew 21:1-11

Matthew 21:1-11

At the triumphal entry there's a clear statement of who Jesus is. There is also a clear statement of who He is not. We sometimes think of Jerusalem as a city that was neutral and that place where everyone simply got along it copacetic existence. That is completely opposite of the reality. Jerusalem was a deeply divided city with many groups vying for power and willing to use anyone they could to advance their cause. Jesus was a game changer. His presence could upset the balance of power. When He comes into town He must come in as the king. But He must come in as the king who comes in peace not taking one side or the other. He will not be used by the Romans, He will not be used by the Priestly family, nor will He be used by the zealots. He will only allow Himself to be used by His Father.

So, He comes to Jerusalem riding on an ass. In time of war a king would ride in the chariot or on a warhorse, but in time of peace a king would ride on the more comfortable mule or ass. In riding on an ass Jesus was telling all the political parties, "I will not join myself to your cause." Jesus’s agenda to fulfill the Father's purpose and to bring about the kingdom of God was too important be derailed, distracted or hijacked by a political agenda of some Earth-bound and short-focused organization. He comes to bring peace, but He will not do that by getting entangled in political intrigues. Verse 10 says that as Jesus came into Jerusalem the whole city was stirred. That word “stirred” can be translated “quake” or “shaken”. Jerusalem as a powder keg ready to explode but Jesus refused to be the match to set it off.

How often do we want Jesus to join us in our agenda? We try to dress Jesus up in the garb of our political positions. We want to make Jesus look like someone from our culture or race, our legal or national heritage. We want Jesus to join the fight on our side. Sometimes we want to hijack the Kingdom of God to accomplish those things that are most precious to us, but may not be precious to the Father. The Father's agenda is not to make Jesus look like us, but that we will look like Him.

"Lord, forgive me when I try to use You or Your Kingdom for my purposes. AMEN"