Who is Jesus like? Vv. 39, 40- The Pharisees, who rejected to acknowledge Jesus as king, tells Jesus to rebuke his disciples who were praising him loudly. But Jesus says that even if the disciples were silent the stones would cry out. If we who have learned the Lord’s power and authority do not boldly stand before the world and acknowledge that only Jesus is king, then we are no better than stones. If we just cowardly look on or consistently remain silent then Jesus will receive worship from countless stones that we consider worthless.
Vv. 41-44- He received praise as the King of peace from those who followed him from Galilee to Jerusalem, but even though the peace that the angel spoke of had arrived (2:14), the city of Jerusalem will not know him and reject him and thus receive judgment. Therefore, Jesus looks upon the city and weeps. The Lord’s visit will be a visit of peace to those who receive him but to Jerusalem who will hand him over to the cross, it will be a visit of judgment. Is the Lord coming to your community with a big smile or with tears?
What lesson is God teaching me? Vv. 35-38- The crowd who witnessed Jesus’ miracles, saw Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt and thought of the humble king of peace in Zechariah 9:9 and worships him saying, “The one who comes in the name of the Lord,” (Ps 118:26) and cries out, “Peace in heaven, glory in the highest”(2:14). They did not know about the king who would suffer but the Jesus they knew was a Messiah who was worthy of being praised.
Let me worship the Lord and accept him as the humble king of peace in my heart.
