"The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!'" John 12:12-19

As Jesus made His way into Jerusalem, the excitement was noticeable. Crowds lined the streets, their hands filled with palm branches, voices united in a chorus of "Hosannas." This moment of jubilation, however, held a deeper story. The very crowd that celebrated Jesus's arrival with such fervor would, in mere days, turn against Him, calling for His crucifixion.

This pivotal event in the Bible prompts us to examine our own perspectives on Jesus. Often, we welcome Him into our lives with open arms, hoping He will fix our problems, fulfill our wishes, and align with our personal agendas. We long for a Jesus who matches our expectations, overlooking His true mission of bringing us salvation and restoring our relationship with God.

Yet, Jesus's choice to enter Jerusalem on a humble donkey, rather than a majestic horse, sends a powerful message about His kingship. It challenges our worldly views of power and success, inviting us to embrace a kingdom built on humility, service, and love.

Reflection Questions:

How can you adjust your expectations to welcome Jesus not just as a problem-solver but as the King of your heart, who offers something far greater than temporary solutions?
Jesus's humble entry on a donkey contradicts our human desire for grandeur and power. How does this act of humility challenge you to rethink your values and priorities?
Consider a time when God's plans didn't align with your desires. How did this experience deepen your understanding of His character and draw you closer to Him?

"Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'" Matthew 21:5