Great Expectations

On Sunday 5th of March at our Capstone Church plant we asked the question “why did Jesus enter Jerusalem on a donkey? One of the reasons given highlighted how Jesus’ entry on a lowly Donkey demonstrated humility and meekness. This is in contrast to the military processions of Roman governors that expressed greatness through pompous displays of power and might.

His kingship is not like the kings of the world. He comes as one who serves, the donkey leads him to his death, and his power is displayed through weakness. Jesus was certainly subverting expectations of a militaristic Messiah, that is what the crowds wanted. Jesus knew ultimately his peaceful visitation would be rejected.

And it's here that we must pause for thought - Perhaps there are times in life when Jesus does not live up to our expectations, he does not do or act as we thought he should, and our priorities it turns out are not his priorities.

In those moments Will we turn from singing psalms? Will we still receive him as King and Lord? Trusting that he is attending to our greatest need.

In Luke for Everyone, N.T Wright asks the question, “Are we going along for the trip in the hope that Jesus will fulfil some of our hopes and desires? Are we ready to sing a psalm of praise, but only as long as Jesus seems to be doing what we want? The long and dusty pilgrim way of our lives gives most of us plenty of time to sort out our motives for following Jesus in the first place. Are we ready not only to spread our cloaks on the road in front of him, to do the showy and flamboyant thing but also now to follow him into trouble, controversy, trial, and death?”

^{Tom Wright, Luke for Everyone (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004), 230.}