The King Comes Unarmed
«Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon a donkey, even upon a colt, the foal of a donkey.»
«And it came to pass, when he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying: Go into the village opposite you; in which at your entering you shall find a colt tied, whereon never man yet sat: untie him, and bring him here.»
Promise and fulfilment
Zechariah prophesied that the promised Saviour-King would enter Jerusalem righteous and humble, mounted upon a young donkey, rather than ruling through chariots and violence.
Outside the gates of Jerusalem, Jesus intentionally sends for a young donkey's colt, sits upon it, and enters the city in peace, establishing God's kingdom through servant-hearted love.
Let these verses remind you to take your own Bible in your hands, read them there again and, if you wish, continue a little further. Holding God's Word in your hands also gives you a precious moment away from the digital world.
Do not read the Bible in one long run, but passage by passage: one text, unhurried, asking the Holy Spirit for understanding. Whoever tries to swallow everything at once loses the overview. Whoever takes one passage each day will see the whole picture over time.
The connection
Zechariah foretold a king who does not enforce his rule with armoured cavalry, but rides upon the beast of burden used by the poor. Jesus takes up this very image: he summons no warhorse, but sends his disciples for a young donkey, setting out on the road to the cross in defenceless goodness.
Reflection
After the Father called us to his banquet table yesterday, our steps turn today towards the city where all will be decided. Jesus is going to Jerusalem. He does not evade the conflict, yet he chooses a kind of power entirely foreign to this world. No war chariot, no raised sword, no insistence upon his own rights. He rides upon an animal belonging to the common people.
We live in a world that often mistakes loudness for strength. Whoever seeks to prevail is quick to resort to pressure, harshness, or biting words. Yet salvation history shows that God’s victory over evil does not come through counter-violence, but through disarming faithfulness. Where human rulers tear down walls and sow fear, this King brings a peace that heals the heart from within.
Today, you are invited to welcome Jesus into your own battles. You do not need to defend yourself with the world’s weapons, nor overpower others to find security. Following him, you can dare to remain gentle—in a debate, at your workplace, or in your family. The King who comes upon a donkey bears your burdens, so that you may live out his gentleness.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the King who meets me without weapons and without threats. Forgive me where I have sought to fight for my rights with harshness, following the spirit of this world. Take away the fear that so often makes me loud and defensive. I open my heart to you today: enter in, gentle and faithful. Grant me your peace, so that I may meet those around me with patience and do what is good. Amen.
The thread
Following the parables of the merciful Father, we now enter Jesus' journey of suffering towards Jerusalem, which will lead us next week to the Last Supper.
Lay down your weapons today: your King comes to you in gentleness, granting you deep peace.
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