Jesus Is King

Open Your Bible

Matthew 21:1-46, Ezekiel 16:10-13, Zechariah 9:9, Colossians 1:15-20

Only Jesus knew the gravity of what the crowd was asking when they shouted “Hosanna!” that day.

It was a shout of adoration but it was also a plea, because the word hosanna literally means, “Come save us now!” And this is exactly what He would do.

The next day, Jesus walked into the temple, flipping over tables and tossing money to the floor. The hosanna-shouters must have been shocked to see the man on the donkey driving the sellers out of the temple with such authority. “My house will be called a house of prayer,” Jesus said to them. “But you are making it a den of thieves!” (Matthew 21:13).

But it’s what He did next that was truly radical: He invited the least inside.

The blind, the lame, the children all came in and Jesus welcomed them, healed them, confirmed their place among Him (vv.14–15). He cleared out those who had profaned the temple and ushered in those who humbly sought after God.

When I picture the scene I can see myself in the wings, on the outside looking in. I am nervous, I am afraid, but I am drawn to this house of God. So I watch and wait. Those inside seem to have it together, bringing riches rather than sacrifice, doing religion like a business. All I have is this humble offering in my hands, carried the long journey from my home, over rocky roads and mistake-laden miles.

Then I see Him. And right before my eyes I watch Him turn it on its side, all the pretension and injustice and darkness that kept me at bay. He sends out those who’ve come not for God but for gods.

And then? He looks me in the eye. Me. Frightened, filthy from days of travel. He looks at me and sees me. He motions for me to come in and then He tells me I belong.

I had cried out “Hosanna! Save me!” not knowing what I was really asking. And He rode on through the streets and into the city, knowing exactly what was coming. He would soon die but not before He cleansed His house of prayer and invited me in.

This is our Christ! “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (v.42). He welcomes in the defenseless, becoming their defense. He brings the weak to Himself and makes them strong. He desires not the shiny sacrifices our pride wishes to bring but only a heart that is stayed on Him. He saves us when we call out to Him.

Only He knows what our hearts truly need as we cry out, “Hosanna!” He knew it even then.

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31 thoughts on "Jesus Is King"

  1. Karen Breaux says:

  2. Kimberly Z says:

    Happy Friday friends! @SARAH D – praying for you and the hopefulness of this sweet “friend” :). My heart goes out to you as I really understand the longing. I know if your heart longs for something so deeply it will happen for you. Probably better than you would ever except. @TAYLOR – praying for your dad as he has to wait for his biopsy. Praying it comes back with good results and that God will ease your anxiety in the meantime. Covering everybody in prayers today! I am so grateful for a slow weekend.

  3. Kris says:

    Some thoughts.
    1. I love how Jesus is always quoting the Old testament. This has made me realize how much I need to study the OT, and have been doing so more in the past several months.

    2. The Fig Tree. I’ve heard it taught that if a fig tree has leaves, it means it has fruit. So, this tree was being deceitful. It was “pretending” to have fruit, but it only LOOKED like it did. I really hope I’m not like that fig tree. I hope I don’t just put on the appearance of having Godly fruit, when in fact I’m just pretending. I do know there are times when I act one way on the outside and feel something different on the inside, but I wouldn’t want the inside to come out. Like when I’m really irritated with someone but try to act all nice. But if someone was spiritually hungry, could they come to me and find fruit to eat? The kingdom of heaven will be taken away from people who don’t produce fruit (Matt 21:43)

    3. Jesus sure had to ride the rollercoaster. People loved Him, people hated Him, people praised Him, people argued with Him. Back n forth. Whew. I avoid things that are stressful, I run to things that are peaceful and bring joy. I could never be Jesus

  4. Terri Baldwin says:

    In Ezekiel 16:10-13 God recalls how he found , cared for Jerusalem, and brought it to glory. He compares it to a young woman who He marries and lavishes with royal splendor, symbolic for His covenant and blessings showed upon Israel.

  5. Traci Gendron says:

    I did not know the meaning of Hosanna.

    Hosanna
    Hosanna
    Hosanna!

  6. Rhonda J. says:

    Sarah D…and Laura Diane…Are you on our FB page?

  7. Rhonda J. says:

    GM

    Cheryl Blow–Yours was the first comment I read, and it describe my feeling to reading these scriptures. Like a sad feeling that they didn’t get it, and would I get it? Would it all make sense to me at the time, or are you following this crowd or those leaders? We have the whole Bible- full of prophecies, words written over hundreds of years, witnesses and testimonies and people still don’t trust it or live it. Half of Christian don’t read their Bibles. It overwhelms me sometimes the magnitude of it all, yet we are in our “me” world of self-centeredness.

    I so badly just want to represent Jesus well by words or actions so others want to KNOW Him. It may look like I do on the outside with my weekly to-do’s for serving, yet I feel like a failure when I can’t even figure out what makes my husband tick! But God—He knows my heart and wants me to figure this out and love him through these small storms that keep appearing! The sun comes out the next day..until the next rain. We must need the rain for the blooms to come surely? I will keep my eyes on Jesus in the storms, and keep walking towards Him, and not on my own.
    Praying for you She’s that truly have the big storms that make mine feel petty. I know some of you would love and cherish moving back when your husbands were free of their illnesses. Forgive me Lord, and help me Praise you in the storms and be thankful for my blessings. Prayers for you GramsieSue and Linda, and Lynn and others. Prayers for all our She’s , just doing our best to stay close to God, no matter what is going on in our lives, trying to grow and do what is right and true. We have Blessed Assurance. Hosanna! Hosanna! Help us Jesus, We love you Jesus!

    Jaimie (I think!?) Keep going to church and growing in Jesus, and your husband and kids will see Him in you! Praying they will go with you!
    Laura- heart. Love hearing your shares as well!! You are such a pillar of strength. I can’t imagine what it takes to forgive and move forward after betrayal. Prayers that you can put it behind and the counseling works! I have asked my husband to go for years and he thinks it must be admitting failure, but I think every couple NEEDS it…I used to tell my your girls getting married…”Save that money you spend on a big wedding, and instead start counseling from the get go and attend regularly!” It is a true effort for two imperfect people to love each other through thick and thin!

    On another note…We finished watching “The Passion of the Christ” in our jail ministry on Wednesday. I would recommend you all watching and trying to get your family in on the watch. It truly represents that the “free” gift Jesus gives us was not free but very costly for Him in the suffering and pain. He died FOR us, INSTEAD of us, so we can be alive forever with Him and ones we love…it is overwhelming and just where we need to focus with RESURRECTION Sunday just a week away!!

    Did you all want to do communion and/or something special together on Easter Sunday? Maybe a reading and communion or ?? We could do a group call this time but designate a few people to 1-read scripture, 2 a little devotion 3-lead communion? We could take a half hour to be together? Let me know on fb messenger if you would be interested in leading and participating….I will start a chat and we can discuss! IF YOU have not joined our Facebook “SRT SHE’S” page…find it, and when you ask to join you must answer the question that you are on SRT!! Otherwise you will not be accepted..I still have about 8 that have not gone back to answer in that way!!

  8. Jamie Trice says:

    I didn’t realize until maybe last year or the year before what the meaning of Hosanna was, since we use it as a praise to Jesus. It makes this passage so much more moving to me when I read it, even more than it was before, and it always hit hard because these people saying Hosanna, on this day, would be screaming crucify him later that week. Thank you Jesus for saving us, for your perfect sacrifice on that cross, the cross made from the tree you, God and the Spirit created, knowing what it would be used for, on the hill, you all also created.

  9. leap says:

    Sarah D. , I am praying for you.

  10. Cheryl Blow says:

    I don’t know why reading this made me sad. The people didn’t realize what they were asking from Jesus. The Pharisees didn’t recognize Jesus in their midst because of their traditions.

    I just pray that I will not allow the tradition of being a Christian most of my life keep me from seeing Jesus in my life everyday. And that I will never forget or be humbled by the price He paid for me.

    Praying for you all.

  11. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    Jesus is King! Yes and Amen!! When I think of the kings of this world, I think of one who is untouchable, unapproachable and disconnected from the people he serves. His private life is very guarded, and one only knows about him what he chooses to be made known. His circle of people is a very closed, chosen circle… Praise God our King, King Jesus is not like our worldly kings. He touches those no one else will dare touch (the leper), and He allows Himself to be touched (the woman with the blood issue). Because of Jesus sacrifice -the veil was torn (Matthew 27:51), allowing us to approach Him, to come into the holy of holies (Hebrews 4:16). He shares with us everything about Himself (Colossians 1:26-29) and He welcomes all who believe on His name. Thank you Father for making a way for us. Thank you Jesus for paying the price for our sin. All hail King Jesus!

    All hail King Jesus
    All hail Emmanuel
    King of Kings
    Lord of Lords
    Bright Morning Star
    And throughout eternity
    I’ll sing Your praises
    And I’ll reign with You throughout eternity
    (All Hail King Jesus – David Moody)

    @Sarah D. – continued prayers for you seek God’s will for your life. May God give you clarity. Praying that if it’s God’s will, He will take this “friendship” a step further. Rest in Him as you wait.
    @Taylor – praying that your conversation with your friend today, will be seasoned with grace and that they will be willing to restore your friendship and put this behind. Also prayers for your dad and the upcoming biopsy.
    @Mariam Kamel – I’m excited for you! Praying for you as you near your time of delivery. I am going to be a first time grandma – any day now!! The due date is today!
    @Jamie Trice – So sorry to hear of your losses, and all so close together. Much prayer for your husband to renew his walk with the Lord and to join you at church – with your whole family.

    Have a blessed Friday sisters – enjoy your weekend!

  12. Laura Dianne says:

    “Only He knows what our hearts truly need as we cry out, “Hosanna!” He knew it even then.” Love this. God has really been showing me through this study how much it is about MY HEART. Continue to squeeze and mold my heart to Your will, Lord.

    Colossians 1 is a favorite of mine. It has comforted me in my darkest times and reminded me of who God is. He is not surprised by anything that happens to us and is with us through it all. Thank you, Lord, for Your Word to us.

    Thank you, MERCY (and others) for your words about fasting. I wrote down Isaiah 58 and plan to make this new spiritual discipline part of my life now.

    RHONDA J Thank you for the humility you showed in sharing your story. It touched me.

  13. Seeking Understanding says:

    Several passages to look into more:
    * A donkey AND a colt and sat on THEM. Plural? Or referencing the cloaks?
    * Mountain thrown into sea. Why? How? And how to have that much faith?
    * Kill him and take his inheritance. Is that how it worked? No punishment for the killer. Did/do we kill Jesus or are we killed with Him?
    * Kingdom taken away and given to those that produce fruit. Who loses? Who gains?
    * Afraid of crowds (not afraid of God)
    * Pharisees were the ones studying and interpreting the Scriptures, yet were the ones that could not see who Jesus was. How does that work in the Then/Now?

    Sorry for just the bullet points and lack of verse references. Recovering from Covid and brain still foggy. Prayers for healing please.

  14. Tricia C says:

    Congratulations MARIAM KAMEL! How exciting!

    MERCY – Thank you for what you shared yesterday.
    MIA FAITH- Praying for you and your family.

  15. Tricia C says:

    I love this so much today! Thank you Lord for saving us!

    Have a blessed weekend Dear Sisters.

  16. Adrienne says:

    He hears us, sweet sisters…. Come save us!

    Hosanna!!

  17. Claire B says:

    ♥️

  18. Taylor says:

    Colossians 1:17 “He is before all things and in him all things hold together.” I will be repeating this to myself today as I will hopefully have a conversation with my friend today. May the outcome be love, reconciliation, and peace.

    Also asking for your prayers sisters as my dad told me last night he needs to have a biopsy of his prostate as his most recent blood test showed elevated PSA levels. I covet your prayers that there is nothing wrong. I hate that he has to wait until April 25th for the biopsy.

    I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend <3

    1. Cheryl Blow says:

      Praying for your dad

  19. Aimee D-R says:

    We cry Holy! We cry Hosana! Come, Jesus, come. Amen

  20. Sarah D. says:

    Good morning ladies,
    Praying for you all! So excited for Easter. So thankful for what the Lord has done and is doing.
    Would love your continued prayers as I balance joy and longing in singleness, and pray through if my friend from my church likes me or not. The weeks in between Sundays (when I see him typically) are hard. Especially since my roommate is dating someone, and I try to be happy for her, but still can feel sad at times. Last weekend, my “friend” was on a hike with our young adults group, which was fun. He walked next to me a good bit and we talked. I also shared my testimony last Sunday in our Sunday school, and it has been really sweet to hear from my friends who resonated with parts of my story. He also came up after to say good job and we talked with some of my friends too. So thankful for how God uses it all to draw me closer to him. Praying for clarity, but reminding myself that God is working, even through this. Have a wonderful Friday!

  21. Gretel . says:

    Hosanna!

  22. Julia C says:

    MIA FAITH – Any news? Continued prayers for you and your family ❤️

    ERB – Missing you! ❤️

    SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – “Is there anything in my life that I’m not willing to surrender to God?” Amen, sister! And yes, I struggle with this too. Surrendering is a daily practice. Since a few months I have been letting go of “being productive” and having a “perfect planning”. I start my day with God, reading, meditating, and praying as long as I need without looking at the time. (I am in the last year of my masters and only work a few hours per week and I don’t have kids, so this is relatively “easy” for me to do.) BUT GOD ❤️ I am learning to trust Him with my time. Every day he gives me enough time for all the things he entrusted me to do.

    MERCY – “God’s standards”, rejoicing with you ❤️

    JAMIE TRICE – Joining you in prayer for your husband and children: May the Lord open their eyes, hearts, minds, and souls to Him and His Word.

    RHONDA J. – ❤️

    MICHELLE – Thanks for sharing that Spurgeon quote! We are all part of the same body ❤️

    KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – Praying for your sanity ❤️

  23. Kelly (NEO) says:

    For a hot second, Jesus was honored the way He should have been. One day ALL will bend their knees to You, Lord. You will get the honor and praise You deserve from every mouth.

    Hosanna Hosanna Hosanna

    MIRIAM KAMEL – congratulations!

  24. Julia C says:

    “Jesus was King but he didn’t fit into the world’s categories of kingship. He brought together majesty and meekness (…). In Jesus we find infinity majesty yet complete humility, perfect justice yet boundless grace, absolute sovereignty yet utter submission, all-sufficiency in himself, yet entire trust and dependence on God.”
    – King’s Cross, Tim Keller

    Dear Father,

    Thank You for sending us a King who saves. A King who not only saves us from our enemies, but also from ourselves: our pride, our sin, and our disordered loves.

    May we humble ourselves before you.
    May we never forget the cost of salvation.
    May we put You in the center of our hearts.

    In Jesus’ name,

    AMEN.

  25. Donna Mitchell says:

    Hosanna! We cry out Hosanna more than ever

  26. Mary Ann Graves says:

    Make me strong Lord

  27. Tina says:

    I just want to say an AMEN, to the title!

    But it’s what He did next that was truly radical: He invited the least inside.

    The blind, the lame, the children all came in and Jesus welcomed them, healed them, confirmed their place among Him (vv.14–15). He cleared out those who had profaned the temple and ushered in those who humbly sought after God.

    As I read this, all I could think was that we are all partially blind, blind to what we truly have, in the person of Jesus, The One who came to save us and bringing with Him a Hope we could never imagined but for, and through Him.
    We all are lame, for sure, because we are unable to walk (the walk) in one way or another, without Him.
    We all are called children of God, because of Jesus, and His welcoming of us into the family through His death on the cross, the price He paid FOR us, and His resurrection.

    He came for us.

    SELAH. (Just going to let that sink in for a moment.)

    HE CAME FOR US!

    Not for what we had done, have done, or continue to do, but in spite of it all. He came mercifully, to save us, To redeem us.

    To restore the broken us.

    To bring us Hope, hope we had probably never dared to hope..

    He came FOR us, Ya’ll. He came for us!

    BUT GOD..

    Hosanna.

    Hosanna.

    Hosanna.

    AMEN.

    Happy Friday my dears, as always wrapped in love and covered in prayers, requested or unspoken..

    Hugs. ❤️

  28. Dana says:

    Beautiful ❤️