Rejoice greatly…Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey.
(Zechariah 9:9, NIV; see also Luke 19:28-40)

If you knew exactly where, when, and how you would die, how would you approach that place and time? Notice what Jesus did.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus had refused to openly proclaim himself Messiah. He had commanded those He healed to say nothing.

But now, the place and time of His death had come. He was entering Jerusalem to be handed over to His enemies, thoroughly humiliated, and killed as a criminal. Before the week is out, He will be dead. How does He enter? He comes as a conquering hero, as a mighty deliverer, in plain fulfillment of the messianic prophecy. His followers were now hailing Him as King and shouting His praises. Instead of silencing them, Jesus said that if the people were silent, the very rocks would cry out in praise.

To Jesus, His suffering and death were the crowning point of His mission to earth. He was about to be “lifted up” so that He could “draw all men” to himself (John 12:32). He was facing death as a conqueror.

Read John 17:1-5. Nearing His most difficult hour, what was Jesus’ prayer for himself? “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you” (v. 1).

Jesus knew that His greatest trial was also His greatest chance to glorify the Father. Facing horrendous pain, the Father’s glory was Jesus’ prayer and concern. In His suffering and death, He would shine the light most clearly on God’s love.

That is often true of us as well. Our hour of trial is our special chance to glorify God. That’s when others will see the full reality of God and His powerful love.

Father, during difficult times my prayer is this: no matter what happens, glorify Yourself.

Listen…and sing if you want:
Who Is He?
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