The Prince of Peac comes with peace

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | July 12, 2023 | Matthew 21:1-11

KEY VERSE:

⁹The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”¹⁰When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” Matthew 21:9-10 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Matthew 21 seems to introduce us to the beginning of the last week of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus knew that the religious leaders would arrest Him, condemn Him, mock Him, scourge Him, and deliver Him to the Romans for crucifixion (Matthew 20:19). Yet He had the courage to enter Jerusalem publicly. This contrasts with His previous pattern of suppressing publicity. In Matthew 21:1-11, we witness the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, fulfilling ancient prophecies and displaying His identity as the long-awaited Messiah. This passage portrays Jesus as the King of kings and reveals an important aspect of His character—the Prince of Peace who comes bearing peace.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowd welcomed Him with great jubilation, shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 21:9). These words echo the ancient prophecies that foretold the arrival of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. The people recognized Jesus as the fulfilment of God's promises, and their exultant praise emphasized their expectation of peace and deliverance. In Jesus, the long-awaited peace of God's kingdom was dawning upon the world. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem carried an intriguing paradox. He rode on a humble donkey, a symbol of peace, rather than a warhorse, which was the mount of kings in times of war. This intentional choice demonstrated Jesus' purpose—to establish peace not through force or conquest, but through love, humility, and self-sacrifice.

The true nature of peace, as revealed by Jesus, is not the absence of conflict but the presence of harmony amidst turmoil, achieved by surrendering to God's will and exemplifying His selfless love. The Prince of Peace brings us reconciliation with God, restoring the broken relationship caused by sin. He invites us to embrace His peace and receive the assurance of eternal life. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a pivotal moment in His ministry, marking the fulfilment of numerous Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah. It reminds us that God's promises are always fulfilled in His perfect timing and that Jesus is the ultimate fulfilment of God's redemptive plan.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Who is Jesus in your life? Is He simply a prophet from Nazareth? Is He simply a good teacher? Is He Lord and Savior in your life? As we contemplate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, let us remember that He is the Prince of Peace who brings peace into our lives His entry fulfilled ancient prophecies, established a kingdom of peace, and reconciled us to God. May we embrace the peace that Jesus offers, allowing His love, grace, and mercy to transform us, and may we become ambassadors of His peace, sharing it with a world in desperate need.

PRAYER:

Gracious Lord, you are the Prince of Peace, whose arrival brought hope and peace to the world. I humbly come before you, acknowledging your authority and the peace you bring. Grant me the grace to be an ambassador of your peace. Help me to reflect your character in all that I do, that your peace may shine through me. Prince of Peace, guide me in the path of righteousness, for your dear Name’s sake. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!