The Signs Of Our King
Monday, April 14
John 12:12-15 (NKJV)
“The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!” Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey’s colt.”
Devotion
It’s Just like God to announce what He is doing hundreds of years before it happens, to prove the exactness of His word and to give future mankind signs to be looking for. Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem was one of them. Zechariah, the prophet, prophesied, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem. Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foul of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)
This was the sign of the coming King: Jesus Christ, our Messiah.
Jesus riding on a donkey, instead of a warhorse, held significance. By tradition, if a new king entered riding a donkey, it indicated he was coming in peace, not warring to conquer. (Remember, Christ’s kingdom is not of this world.) Jesus came in peace, meaning his message would be one of reconciliation. (‘He is just and having salvation’ – salvation being a choice, not forced.)
There was another sign in God’s plan: The Cross.
If one only looks at historical events, the true meaning of what happened would be missed. The Apostle Paul gave us a detailed explanation in Colossians 2:13-14 “And you, being dead in your trespasses … He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us… And He has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross.”
The sign of the Victor: The Empty Tomb
Jesus did not stay dead. He arose from the dead! This means he has victory over death, the devil and the grave. Jesus speaks in Revelations 1:18, “I am He who lives and was dead; and behold I live forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
Colossians 2:15 further explains, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” As the Victor, Jesus plundered the devil, stripped him bare of his authority and publicly exposed his defeat. The sign was the empty tomb. Jesus has risen!
The sign of the Returning King: He Will Split the Skies
“For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be … and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:27,30,31)
Don’t miss this sign. Jesus Christ, the King of Kings is coming again!
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for every sign that points to Your power, Your peace, and Your promise. You fulfilled the words of the prophets with precision, and You continue to fulfill Your Word in my life today. Open my eyes to see the signs of Your presence all around me, through Your Word, through the Cross, the empty tomb, and the hope of Your return. Help me live watchfully and expectantly, with a heart that honors You as King, now and forever. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Take time today to reflect on the signs of Jesus in your own life. Write down how you’ve seen His peace in situations where there should have been chaos, His salvation in your moments of weakness, and His victory when you felt defeated. Let these reminders deepen your expectation and readiness for His return. Live as one who has seen the signs, and believed.
Resources
- If you missed yesterday’s message by Pastor Javon Ruff, “Triumph In Christ”, here’s your opportunity to watch and be blessed as we kick start the passion week.
- Join us this Easter for our special ‘Easter The Live Experience’. This free event is for the whole family and features stunning visuals, live animals, inspiring music