I learned as a child that Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy (see Zech. 9:9). As a young adult, I discovered that he was also following in the footsteps of King David’s son Solomon. The crowd hailed Jesus as the Son of David and the hoped-for Messiah. Many of them wanted him to overthrow the oppressive Roman government, but they were to be disappointed. Jesus taught love for God and neighbor. His followers discovered that Christ was the Prince of Peace and, more than a military leader, he was “the way and the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6). Jesus preached good news to the poor and to all nations. After his death and resurrection, his disciples took that good news to all parts of the Roman Empire and then around the world. Christ’s message of God’s universal sovereignty and love for all people has persisted despite the violence in the world and sometimes even within the church. We live in an era of fear and nationalism, but God is calling us to something greater. When we love people from all backgrounds, we truly honor Christ as the Prince of Peace and Messiah. |
