Scripture
Jesus was in the centre of the procession, and the people around him were shouting, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessing son the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in the highest!”

Observation
As they approach Jerusalem, Jesus sends out two of his disciples ahead to fetch a young donkey. They are challenged, but give the answer, “The Lord needs it and will return it soon.”

A procession ensues in which the crowds gathered for the Passover festival hail Jesus as the king coming to re-establish David's kingdom.

Application
This episode is laden with irony.

The crowds welcome Jesus as some kind of national hero bringing freedom, but his intent is very different.

The crowds pour adulation out to Jesus but in a few days they will call for his execution.

Too often we claim the name of Jesus to support our political, social or moral agenda.

Yet the salvation He offers and the Kingdom He leads is way beyond the mere political or social arrangements of our time.

Jesus is looking to rebirth human beings, renovating us from the inside out and changing all of our values and allegiances.

Truly His kingdom is not of this world.

Prayer
Lord, change my heart so that what I value is what you value. May you truly be king of every part of my life. Amen.