A Series of Unexpected Events

In the midst of the fulfillment of the promise spoken through Zechariah (Zech 9:9) of the coming of the Messiah, many things have taken an unexpected turn in the eyes of the people. It should comfort us in these unexpected times we find ourselves in to see that our God works in unexpected ways to bring about unimaginable glories.

First, we see Jesus, who had been laying low (Jn 11:54), now orchestrating a well-planned, high- profile entrance into Jerusalem. The lamb is walking right through the front door of the viper’s den. Many didn’t think he should be going at all. Certainly, no one expected him to make a grand entrance. This is reckless!

Second, we see Jesus coming in an unusual way for the kind of king expected. It’s no surprise that he would come riding in on a colt. Zechariah prophesied that the Lord’s Anointed would do so. The timing, I think, is quite unexpected. The colt is not the animal of choice for riding into the battle. War-horses and chariots are better suited for that. The enemy had not yet been thrown down. The battle had yet to be fought. The colt is an animal for kings when the victory is already won, when peace is established. This is presumptuous!

Third, the crowds that gathered that day were amazed and drawn to one who could raise life from the dead. Word had spread quickly about the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection. Many had witnessed it first hand. Many more had heard about it from others. Here was a man of power. If death could not resist him, how could the Roman legions? What they never expected was One who would bring life and victory through death. This is preposterous!

Fourth, Jesus permits the crowd’s praises and proclamations. How many times have we seen Jesus quiet those who were healed, demons being cast out, crowds who were well-fed and ready to make him king by force? Now he allows it. Even more, it is he who has turned the hearts of the people to respond as they did. This is pretentious!

Fifth, the Jewish leaders were not expecting the overwhelming response of a crowd that had gathered from all the surrounding regions. This was no mere local phenomenon. This was not an isolated event that could be easily controlled and contained. As the Pharisees lamented, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.” This is disruptive!

As the watching world reacted to Jesus, so they will often react to His people as they faithfully serve Him. They will find us reckless in our obedience, presumptuous in our faith, preposterous in our convictions, pretentious in our claims, and disruptive in our living out peaceable lives of holiness.

Take heart in this and know that God is working His good purposes in the most unexpected of ways.