Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Matthew 5:38-48

In Matthew 21, as Jesus entered Jerusalem, with the crowd accompanying Him spread cloaks and palm branches on the road hailing Him as “the Son of David” and “He who comes in the name of the Lord”, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” (Matt 21:9-11)

The citizens of Jerusalem were greatly confused. This man was being hailed by His followers as the expected Davidic King. He was also dramatically claiming to be that King by fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy. But he was just so … well, so ordinary. They expected the Messianic “Son of David” to be a conquering Saviour and Deliverer and they eagerly anticipated that He would arrive and would rally the people to drive the oppressive, pagan Romans out of the Holy Land. They expected Him to restore Israel’s military power to what it had been in David’s day. yet this man was riding peacefully into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt, and it seemed that He had no military intentions at all.

Of course, we know that these things are true. Jesus was (and is) the Son of David, the Messiah, the Anointed Saviour King. But His Kingdom is not of this world (as He would later explain to Pilate). In fact, those who had followed Him long enough had heard Him say clearly (in places like Matthew 5) that His Kingdom is one in which His subjects are deeply committed to pursuing peace, building relationships even with those who consider themselves enemies, and extending sacrificial generosity. His Kingdom is one where, instead of seeking to overcome one’s enemies by the hateful use of military power, one strives to “overcome” them by treating them with radical, God-imitating love, mercy and kindness. Paul would later echo the spirit of this Kingdom with his instruction: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ” (Romans 12:21)

So the crowd was left in a state of bewilderment, puzzling over the question, “Who is this man?”

Each of us needs to answer that question for ourselves too: “Who is this Jesus?” And when the world suggests that He is just a teacher with helpful hints, or a prophet with high ideals, we ought to be able to answer with confidence, “No! He is the King of all kings and the Lord of Life. In Him true life is found. Only He can conquer the power of temptation, sin and self-centredness in our lives. Only He can lead us on the Way to abundance of living in this world, and set us free from all that robs us of life! This Jesus is the True King of God’s Kingdom of Life and Love. And this Jesus is MY King too.”

King Jesus, I enthrone You afresh as King over my life, I surrender to Your new way of living, and I receive Your beautiful power to live Your life in the world today. Amen.