“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
(John 12:13)
No one would ever expect that a baby born to a peasant Jewish woman in a smelly barn on a cold night could ever be the king of anything. This lowly beginning is not consistent with the birth of someone who would one day be king of all kings. And yet the power and position of such a one named Jesus, born to Mary and Joseph in the town of Bethlehem one cold winter night, are predetermined by God and, therefore, never in jeopardy.
God Himself announced multiple times through multiple prophets that this king was coming:
- “A star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel… One from Jacob shall have dominion,” (Num. 24:17, 19)
- “One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel,” (Micah 5:2)
- “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore,” (Isa. 9:6-7)
- “For out of you, Bethlehem Judah, shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel,” (Matt. 2:6)
Further affirmations follow…
At His birth, an angel of God appeared to some nearby shepherds, specifically to confirm that this baby born in Bethlehem was both Savior and King: “For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord,” (Luke 2:11).
This same baby was publicly worshiped by wise men who came from the East as one born “King of the Jews.” The gifts they presented to Him of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matt. 2:2, 11) indicated His kingship as well. The gold signified Jesus’ status as “King of the Jews,” frankincense represented His divinity and identity as the Son of God, and myrrh referenced His mortality.
News of this newborn baby’s kingly destiny spread rapidly throughout the Judean region. And when King Herod heard that a successor king had just been born, he set out to destroy his perceived rival immediately. (Of course, as always is the case, Herod’s efforts to thwart God’s plan are unsuccessful.)
During His public ministry, Christ spoke frequently about His kingdom, and toward the end of His earthly life, He entered Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey,” (Zech. 9:9). Those in attendance at His triumphal entry into the city joined in praise, “Hosanna, blessed is the King of Israel, that cometh in the name of the Lord!” Finally, when He was on trial before His prosecutors and Pilate asked Him this question, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Christ affirmed that He was, indeed.
Thomas Ridgely comments, “Christ still executes His Kingly office in that glorified state in which He now is. This the apostle intimates, when he speaks of Him as ascending up on high, having led captivity captive, and then giving gifts to men (Eph. 4:8). In this exalted state there are undeniable proofs of His regal dignity in the blessings which His church receives, as well as in the adorations that are paid to Him by the inhabitants of heaven.”
Never forget that Christ did not begin His reign as King at the moment of His birth, or even when He ascended to heaven after His resurrection. Rather, He has always been – and will ever be – King (Dan. 7:13-14, 1 Tim. 6:13-15, Rev. 17:14). And every individual that has ever drawn a breath will one day bow down and worship Him as King of kings and Lord of lords (Phil. 2:10-11).
- As the people laid palm branches in Your path on Your entry into Jerusalem, they cried out, “Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel, that comes in the name of the Lord.” They praised You publicly. When they saw how You healed the blind and the lame, they cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matt. 21:15). How do I do that publicly in my life, Lord? Show me how I might praise and adore You as King of my life outwardly, and not just in my private devotions.
- Warm my heart to remember all Your work, Lord, that by faith I can look forward to what You have promised to do for Your people in the future. Help me often consider the coming of my King, anticipating the day when every eye shall see You return in power and glory.
- You, Lord Christ, are my King. I surrender my mind and heart to You now and ask that You help me do this day by day, moment by moment, by Your Spirit. Help me open up my soul humbly and penitently to Your atoning work. I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and I have found that in so doing my heart has already been arrested by the power of Christ my King.
Further References for John 12:13
Ps. 118:25-26; John 1:49; Lev. 23:40; Hosea 3:5; Mark 11:8
