A Greater Type of King – April 3, 2023

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Matthew 21:10,11

A Greater Type of King

It’s uncomfortable. The person that called you wasn’t in your contacts. No name appeared when the phone rang, just a number. After you answer with a hesitant, “Hello?” the other party begins talking to you rather comfortably as if you should know them, but you don’t. You finally interrupt and ask, “Who is this?”

That was the question of the day in Jerusalem. The people that lined the streets to welcome Jesus on Palm Sunday knew him. He was already in their “Contacts” list. But not everyone in the city knew him. And for those who didn’t know him, it was uncomfortable. They were “stirred.” And so they asked, “Who is this?”

The crowds who knew him answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet…” That is no small thing to say about Jesus, and it is one of many ways that shows Jesus to be a greater type of king. When we see someone march into town with a lot of fanfare as a king, we may expect them to make a lot of demands. “Fetch me this. Get me that.” Or if the person is a stereotypical king, we may expect them to issue a decree or give some kind of edict.

But who is this Jesus? He’s not someone who comes making demands for himself. He’s not one who comes with a list of edicts. No, he’s a prophet, someone whose concern is to proclaim God’s Word. Not an opinion or a tweet but the very Word of God.

As you read this devotion, appreciate that Jesus is still acting as “the prophet.” Right now, as you meditate on God’s Word, Jesus’ concern is for you to know what God says. He wants you to hear about the seriousness of your sin. But he also wants you to hear about God’s solution to your sin, and that solution is Jesus, a greater type of king who meets all of your greater needs.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the prophet and showing me God’s Word today. Amen.