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Before Jesus was Savior, He was King. But He was not a king as you or I know one. Jesus ushered in a different kind of Kingdom.
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; He is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9 HCSB
Instead of a fully armored warhorse, He came on a donkey. Instead of shouldering the latest military weaponry, He came speaking a Word of peace.
The world looks at someone like Alexander III of Macedon and names him “Alexander the Great” because of his achievements and his authority. The God of the universe steps down into a human body and rides in on a donkey. This is the difference between humanity’s definition of a king and God’s example of a King.
Which are you following? Which are you trying to emulate?
The world says you must be the biggest, the best, and the most-liked. Jesus was content to hang out with the lame, the sick, and the sinners of society. The world says you must conquer your enemies in this life while looking out for numero uno. Jesus conquered your enemies by sacrificing Himself. The world says you will be measured and evaluated by your bank account, your retirement, and your works. Jesus said if you don’t know Him, nothing else matters.
“Zec 9:9-10 presents a prophecy whose fulfillment was clearly set in motion (though not completed) by Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem on a colt, the well-known Triumphal Entry. Both Matthew and John mention this passage. John even notes that the disciples saw no immediate connection between Jesus riding on the colt and His identity as the Messiah prophesied in Zechariah. After Jesus was glorified, “then they remembered that these things were written about Him” (Joh12:16).”
Nelson’s Commentary
Zechariah 9 is not just about the Triumphal Entry. It speaks to future events as well. The reason we seek to know Jesus and make Him known is so others do not miss Him like they did the first time!
“These verses in Zechariah include an important transition. The arrival of the saving King is followed immediately by a description of the effects of his long-term reign. This is an example of “prophetic compression.” Viewed from the broader context of prophecy, Zechariah was mentioning together two stages in God’s plan which are actually separated in time. The coming King would arrive twice. Jesus came first as a humble King of peace and salvation, accomplished in Jesus’ earthly ministry and His death on the Cross. Second, Jesus will come as a victorious Ruler over all the world who will “speak peace to the nations.” We should rejoice over Jesus’ first coming and anticipate the complete fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy at Christ’s glorious return.”
Nelson’s Commentary