Thy King Cometh unto thee Meek
Matthew 21:1-9 - 1st Sunday in Advent - Nov 30, 2014


Dear Baptized and forgiven of God, subjects of the King of all kings. Thy King cometh unto Thee meek and lowly, and may we receive our humble king with humble hearts, belieiving in Him for the full forgiveness of all our sin.

An interesting fact in U.S. history: Before becoming the first president of the United States, a military colonel suggested that George Washington become king. Of course he refused the man’s suggestion. And later, he was elected president.

But Washington would have made a great king. What a blessing. The only problem: what about his descendants? those who would have inherited the throne? Things are good when the king is good. But what happens when the king is bad?

The good news is that we never have to question the sincerity of our King (the King of all kings, and Lord of all lords). We never have to question his goodness. Behold, Thy King cometh unto Thee, meek and lowly, just and having salvation.

We never have to question His motives. He doesn’t come to satisfy popular opinion. He doesn’t come to be politically correct. He doesn’t come to give in to rich lobbyists.

He comes with our absolute best interests in mind, in the way that best servers our eternal soul. Granting our deepest needs, by providing forgiveness for all we’ve ever done wrong, making us 100% acceptable to the Father, and ready for eternal life.

How do we know that? The King of all kings, Lord of all lords, comes riding on a donkey. This shows He comes in peace. Not the kind of peace that comes from getting every last earthly thing we desire, but the kind of peace that comes from knowing He forgives our every last sin. Peace in knowing that God is at peace with us because of Christ’s life and sacrifice.

Hosanna the people shouted, as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Hosanna, meaning, Save us Lord. But save us from what? Being God’s chosen people, they were used to being the most powerful nation on earth. They had a very hard time losing that power. Living under foreign rule. Their government was taken away and given to another – to King Caesar.

Hosanna!, Save us Lord. “Save us from these cruel Romans, Jesus. Save us from oppression and persecution. Save us from those who make life hard for us Lord.” And it certainly wouldn’t have been easy for them.

But the problem was that hardly anyone was looking at their own issues inside their own hearts. Hardly anyone was saying, “Save us from our own sins.”

Many had a certain type of belief in Jesus, because He performd miracles. He fed the 5000. He stilled the storm. He walked on water. He had all the right answers. People thought, surely this hero is gonna save us from our hardships and inconveniences.

Yet, the one who once walked on water was soon saying “I thirst.” The one who had all the power of God, was soon being forsaken of God. The one who had all the answers, was soon asking “Why?” The one who had the power to give life, was soon laying down His own.

And so, how natural for the people to turn their “Hosannas” into “Crucify Him.” And they actually also said, “We have no king, but Caesar.” They’d rather go back to honoring their enemies, because Jesus did not live up to their earthly hopes and dreams.

As we once again enter the pre-Christmas season, Advent, may we remember that God sent our King. Behold, thy King cometh. Yet, not necessarily in the way that we wanted either, but in the way that we needed. “thy King cometh meek and lowly.”

He is the most powerful ruler of all. “All power is given unto Me in heaven and on earth.” He has the power to do anything and everything. Yet, He still comes riding on that donkey, meek and mild. And that’s just not the kind of king many want.

Especially at this time of year, many are looking for earthly treasure. The Holiday cheer is all about buying and selling, getting the best deals. Asking a mythical character for what we want for Christmas. “Save us Lord, from a lack of presents.” In that way, Christmas has become cheapened and empty.

Still others are thinking, “Save us from the law that doesn’t let me do what I want. Save me from having to obey the police,” not realizing that God has provided them for decency and order, and protection. And if abuse does occur, God is still in control and will still make all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Still others are thinking, “Save me from everything that makes life hard or even inconvenient. Save me from all emarrassing situations. Save me from that guy who bothers me.”

Hosanna, “Come and save us, Lord”. And Jesus does come and save us. Yet, again, not necessarily in the way that we want, but in the way that we need. Our King comes to save us from our sin. And whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. Our King comes to set us free from the power of sin. And if the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Our King comes in the lowly means of grace, the Word, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper. And the wisdom of the world says, “that’s foolishness.” Because those means of grace don’t look like much. But Jesus comes riding on that donkey, His power hidden, His glory concealed. We can’t see His great power at work in the Word, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, but we have His promise, and that is all we need. He says, “I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Our King provides us with everything that we need to be saved.

He keeps calling us by that humble Gospel, and keeps assuring us of our forgiveness in the Sacraments. He will never leave us. He will never forsake us. We have His promise on that. He will keep us in that one true and saving faith. Behold, thy King cometh unto Thee, meek, lowly - with gentleness, with lovingkindness, forgiveness for our every sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.



“Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek.” - Matthew 21:5

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