The King Closer than He Seems

As we look at Jesus' "Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem" in John 12:12-19 we see great celebrations at the expectation at the coming of a king - the King of Israel. But the manner in which Jesus was to fulfill those expectations was not what the crowds anticipated, even though it had been foretold. The crowd's expectation and cries of "Hosanna" to the king could not make him king. These cries soon enough turned to shouts of "Crucify him!" It was the humble obedience of the one who knew he was to be lifted up, crowned with thorns that revealed the nature of Christ's kingship - not just to Israel, but of all the nations. This same king, Jesus, comes to us today and speaks peace to the nations.