Born King of the Jews

Today's Readings: Matthew 2:1, 2, Zechariah 9:9, Matt 21:1-11, and more

Hey Kids, remember in Matthew 2:1, 2, we read about the Wise Men from the East who came into Jerusalem to ask: "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" This was troubling to King Herod because He was concerned this "king" would threaten his power. We read about the baby Jesus, then what was to become of this baby born King of the Jews? The prophet Zechariah of old speaks of the Coming of Israel's King:

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout O daughter of Jerusalem! 

Behold, your King is coming to you; 

He is just and having salvation, 

Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey." 

Zech 9:9

Jesus fulfilled this prophecy the day He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. A donkey is not a very kingly way to come into a city. It is very humble and not at all like the impressive power of a horse. Jesus was lowly, "a humility that is gentle, mild, meek. Many of the people were looking for a warlike Messiah who would use force. Jesus showed greater power than an army. He used the power of humble wisdom and penetrating love. Meekness is not weakness, but power under perfect control". (From word wealth in the New Spirit Filled Bible)

Oh, the humble wisdom of Jesus! How may we be more like Him? When we know Him, the Holy Spirit, can change us to be more like Him. Toward the end of Jesus' humble life on this earth He did approach Jerusalem on a donkey and fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy. As he came down the Mountain of Olives, the crowds were hoping He came to save them from the Romans. They cried out saying,  

"Hosanna to the Son of David! 

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" 

Matt. 21:9

During this joyous celebration, Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him in the coming week and what would happen to Jerusalem in the coming years.

In Luke 19 it says:

"He saw the city and wept over it,saying, '

If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! 

But now they are hidden from your eyes... 

because you did not know the times of your visitation." 

Luke 19:42,44

Jesus knew the people would miss their Messiah. He knew the Jews would miss the coming of their King. During the course of the week, Jesus ended up on the following Friday in Pilate's Court. Pilate asked Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Pilate soon after condemned Jesus to execution on the cross. He ordered that a sign should be put on the cross that read, 

"Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" 

John 18:33, 19:19

Were the Wise Men wrong about this baby being a great King? "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" What Jesus said to Pilate gives us a clue. "My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36 This king was not to come into an earthly kingdom in His first coming to earth. Perhaps they somehow knew this because one of their gifts was Myrrh, a spice used in burial. Did they offer it to him to honor His sacrifice? This week we will look at Jesus in His Kingdom right now and we'll look at prophecy foretelling His Second Coming, His Second Advent.

How can this bring us comfort today in our time? We must keep our eyes on Jesus, especially during the concerns of the big political changes happening in our world today. We do not want to miss what He is doing in His Kingdom, His visitation as He moves among us, while being distracted by the kingdom of men. The verse at the very center of the Bible is timely for us today.

"It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes."
Psalm 118:8

Praise God your King is coming again!!! This time He will come on a white horse in great power and authority with the armies of heaven on white horses! And He will establish His Kingdom and end evil!

"On His Robe and on His thigh a name is written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS"
Rev.19:16