The whole city is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The stories have been told over and over again. Not only did this man teach with power and authority, but He had also defied the oppressive norms that governed their day-to-day existence, unfazed by the violent opposition of the Pharisees. He had also healed the sick, caused the lame to walk, and even restored sight to the blind. And just recently, the news began to pour in that He had raised Lazarus from the dead. Truly, this must be a man from God. Truly, this must be the long-awaited Messiah. Finally, He is coming to the holy city, to Jerusalem. So, the people’s response is fitting. They rightly welcome Him as the heir of David’s throne, the King sent by God who will deliver them.

He enters the city riding on a donkey, a fulfillment of the ancient Scripture, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” And here He comes, greeted by the longing and passion of the people of Jerusalem. Could this be the one? Could this finally be our salvation? They are full of hope as they cut down palm branches to celebrate the arrival of their King. And then the cry goes up, so full of excitement and promise: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” Hosanna means save us, save us now! They cheer on the arrival of their King, the One who will save. It is not only the cry of the ancient Israelites, but it is also the cry of all people longing for the blessings of God. It is our cry to this very day, an expression of our longing for salvation accomplished by the true King.

There is no ignoring this King. You cannot pretend it is not happening. The Pharisees had tried to discourage the people, to turn them away from following Jesus. They even adopted a policy that anyone found following Him would be immediately thrown out of the Synagogue. Yet, here, at the beginning of the great festival of Passover and not in some small town on the outskirts of civilization, but in the holy city itself, the people are flocking to Him. As a result, the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him.”

But this King is not a temporal king, a momentary blip in the pages of history. As this week unfolds, we find our King is a king who can be resisted, a king who can be abused, imprisoned, and mocked. This King’s power is not in domination through coercion but is defined by acts of love and sacrifice. As such a king, those who so eagerly followed Him soon turn against Him. He is a failure in their eyes, weak and insignificant. It does not take long for their cries of, “Hosanna,” to melt into shouts of, “Crucify Him!” This is not the sort of king mankind wants. Now, the entire world stands in unity against Him. They have no use for a suffering servant as a king. They want the power, the glory, the majesty that inspires their allegiance.

But He remains the true King. He is the only King we need. His battle is not merely with temporal oppression or economic depravity. No, our King comes to defeat far more powerful enemies, to battle sin, death, and the power of the Devil. His focus is on the eternal. He comes to both save you and maintain the justice of God. You have disobeyed, you have rebelled against the teachings of God. You have sinned in thoughts, words, and deeds. And because God is just, you face punishment. You deserve wrath and condemnation. But you have a King who comes to save, a King who will take all the punishment on Himself, a King who will be forsaken by God so you might be welcomed into His presence.

The week unfolding before us will be our journey through the events of our Lord’s life that will demonstrate the depth of Jesus’ love. We will follow our King as He lays out a kingdom established in love and sacrifice, a kingdom He freely gives to all who believe in His name. It is a kingdom marked by a cross and an empty tomb. It remains a kingdom which will be ridiculed and mocked by our world. Yet, it is a kingdom of true freedom, for the work of your King is sure. He has done what you cannot, and in Him alone there is forgiveness and hope eternal.