BEHOLD YOUR KING!


The World, the Word & You! Broadcast
Commentary by Dennis L. Finnan

"FOR CHRISTIANS AROUND THE WORLD, THIS WEEKEND BEGINS WHAT IS CALLED THE ‘PASSION WEEK’ OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. IT BEGAN WHEN JESUS RODE INTO JERUSALEM LONG AGO. WHAT SIGNIFICANCE DID THAT EVENT HAVE ON OUR WORLD THAT BEARS MEANING TO US TODAY?”

I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about the Jesus Christ and the meaning of Palm Sunday...

Hello there listening friends, and welcome again to another broadcast edition of the World, the Word & You! Speaking on this fine weekend is your host and commentator Dennis Finnan. Our program airs in your particular area of the world, due to the kind support and care of our many friends and listeners, who each week are committed to pray and support this radio outreach to the busy thinking people of our world. Yes, it is our privilege to bring you what we hope is exciting, biblical commentary on events and happenings around the world, through the lens of Scripture. In addition, it is our prayer that all who tune in by radio or the Internet, will find the greatest joy such realization brings ¾ that is the wonder and blessing of finding Jesus Christ as your Lord God and Savior from your sins.

Now on today’s broadcast, we begin by dwelling on what many Christians call the “Easter Season.” Much tradition has encased this time of the year in remembrance of what happened long ago. As a result, I want to use these next two weeks to study the Easter Season and all its blessings, so all in the listening audience can appreciate what God did for us in this historic season. But before I begin today’s message entitled, BEHOLD YOUR KING, let’s pause and listen to this wonderful musical moment…

… I believe the Easter season, for all Christians, is one of the most delightful times of the year! First of all, because it introduces us to spring, that time when our world comes alive and the long drab days of winter begin to pass and the warm sunny days of spring burst upon our world.

Secondly, the Easter season always brings to the Christian world, a new and fresh emphasis upon the foundation teachings of the faith, that is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now, putting these two things together, brings much joy to those who have come to intimately know the Lord and His love for them.
It is precisely in that light, I want to go back in time and study a portion of Scripture that actually began the whole event. It was the time when God chose to “publicly” REVEAL His Son the Lord Jesus Christ as the world’s long awaited Redeemer. So get ready my friend, for a wonderful journey into the past to see, feel, and hear the crowds that day in Jerusalem at the great Passover Week celebration, when Jesus of Nazareth rode into Jerusalem. But first, let’s listen to another moment of music for your soul and heart. Stay tuned…

… One of the most important verifications of the reality and faithfulness of the Bible is its absolute ability to perfectly prophecy future events. In particular with the Season of Easter, we find one verse of Scripture buried in the Old Testament, which bears truth for us today. We read in the Book of Zechariah,

Zec 9:9-10 (NIV)  "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth."

Right there, nestled in the beauty of Zechariah’s Words to Israel, is the absolute promise of the first and second Coming of the Messiah Jesus Christ! And, along with it hidden from Old Testament eyes, but revealed to New Testament eyes, is the wonder and mystery of the Church of Jesus Christ. So let’s examine now this Scripture in its context and great teaching that1 bears upon the season we celebrate.

First of all, know this, that the Old Testament prophet himself wrote the Book of Zechariah. He was a contemporary of another prophet, Haggai, as they together encouraged the Jewish remnant to rebuild the Temple. In the Book, God gave Zechariah eight visions of the future concerning Jerusalem and the Jews (Chapters 1-6), and two burdens (oracles) about the nation’s future (chapters 9-14). The primary emphasis is on Jerusalem and what God was going to again do with her. Now in the midst of this, God reveals to the faithful of Israel, that in a future day, His long ago promise of a Messiah, a Deliverer, a Savior would be fulfilled and His revelation to His people would be in a most striking and revelatory manner. In Zechariah chapter nine, God gives Zechariah this wonderful vision, so the people of that coming day, would unmistakably know their Redeemer when He would come.  Well, 500 years later, God fulfilled this exactly and literally when Jesus Christ Himself rode into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. We read this exactly in,

Mat 21:1-5 (NIV)  “As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethpage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’””

This is truly a remarkable prophecy, as all four Gospel writers record this history-making event (Mat. 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-38; John 12:12-15). Now why was this so important, beside the fact it was a fulfilled prophecy? The answer is in the date it occurred. Have you realize the significance of it? Probably not, unless of course you have studied the historicity and timing of it. Let’s look at it now and see what I mean.

“Although Matthew was speaking specifically of Zechariah’s prophecy concerning Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, it is significant that the triumphal entry also fulfilled another prophecy. Through Daniel, the Lord predicted that the time from Artaxerxes’s decree ordering the rebuilding of the Temple until the coming of the Messiah would be “seven weeks and sixty-two weeks” (Dan. 9:25; cf. Neh. 2:6), that is, 69 weeks total. The literal translation is ‘seven sevens and sixty-two sevens,’ seven being a common designation for a week. In the context of the passage, the idea is 69 weeks of years, or 69 times 7 years, which comes to 483. Now, two different systems of reckoning have endeavored to determine the chronology of the 483 years after Artaxerxes’ decree. They are Sir Robert Anderson’s The Coming Prince and Harold Hoehner’s Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ.” [1] But both of them show amazingly that the very day Jesus rode in to Jerusalem, riding on the foal of a donkey ¾ He fulfilled both prophecies to the very day!

Now, why did Jesus plan this demonstration? First, He was obeying God’s Word and fulfilling the prophecy recorded in Zechariah 9:9. This prophecy could apply only to Jesus Christ, for He is the only One with credentials that prove He is Israel’s King. But what about the significance of riding on a donkey? Today, we don’t think of that as a sign of royalty or greatness, rather the opposite, but we must realize that in this time period, the donkey was the royal animal of Jewish monarchs (1 Kings 2:32ff). In the synoptic gospels, we find that there were actually two animals involved, the mother and the colt (foal). Jesus sat on the colt with the mother walking beside.

Another interesting point to consider in this event is, this colt had never been ridden (Mark 11:2), yet the animal graciously bore the King of glory. I’m sure the presence of the mother helped too, but keep in mind that his rider was the Creator, who has “dominion over . . . all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field” (Ps. 8:6-7). The fact that Jesus rode this beast and kept him in full control is another evidence of His great kingship.

It’s interesting if we examine the crowd, we see it was composed of at least three groups: (1) the Jews who lived in Jerusalem, (2) the crowd from Galilee, and (3) the people who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead (John 12:17-18). As a result of His miracle power, the crowds wanted to see this miracle-worker for themselves. In the text we read,

Mat 21:8-9 (NIV)  "A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The 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!""

Yes, the common people recognized that this was their true and rightful King; But, the Jews and their leaders still did not honor Jesus as their King. What caused this spiritual blindness? Perhaps the most significant thing was they failed to read and believe their own Scripture! Unfortunately, their religious leaders no longer held to the inerrancy of the Word, and began teaching everything else but the Word of God. As a result, they had substituted man-made traditions, and teachings (Luke 11:52) for it. The leaders were no longer interested in revealing truth; they were concerned only with building their own fortunes, power bases and interests (John 11:47-53). As such they declared, “We have no king but Caesar!” Indeed, all the miracles Jesus performed, all the wonderful teachings He brought were rejected, in exchange for the glory of people. However, they were now leaving them and going to Jesus.  As the Pharisees continued to resist the truth, real blindness too hold of them (John 12:35ff).

Now this first Palm Sunday event, was significant not only because it literally fulfilled Scripture written 500 years before, but because, the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world at this event, was the opening crescendo of God’s call for all humanity to now see and know that God fulfilled His promises long ago.

Yes, it began in the Garden of Eden with our first parents who sinned. God promised them and us He would redeem us and do it with His own miraculous entry in the human race.

Gen 3:15 (NASB)  “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.””

“This verse in Genesis is the Proto-evangel ("First Gospel").   The ‘offspring of the woman’ can only be an allusion to a future descendant of Eve who would have no human father. Biologically, a woman produces no seed, and except in this case, Biblical usage always speaks only of the seed of men. This promised Seed would, therefore, have to be miraculously implanted in the womb. In this way, He would not inherit the sin nature, which would disqualify every son of Adam from becoming a Savior from sin. This prophecy thus clearly anticipates the future virgin birth of Christ.” [2]

“Behold Your King” spoke Zechariah. Yet 2000 years later, that cry is still heralded to all the world. Yes, the King of glory has come, and all the world should rejoice! Do you? Have you recognized the “Majesty of Your King?”[3] God reveals Him to us in the Gospels as we see His loveliness, His gentleness and care, and above all His mercy for sinners.

But also have you beheld the MASTERY OF THE KING? Jesus rode into Jerusalem on that unbroken colt, that normally takes weeks to break and train for anyone to sit upon it (Mat. 21:7). Yet Jesus was and is God, and as the Creator, this little animal yielded itself in full surrender to its king! Have you?

Lastly have you beheld the great and wonderful MINISTRY OF THE KING revealed here? Zechariah tells us,

Zec 9:9 (NIV)  “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Yes, note please the words, “your King comes to you…having salvation!” This is the very plan and purpose God sent us His Son Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah of old, the fulfillment of so many Old Testament verses. Yet the Jews rejected Him, and still do to this day as a nation. This is why Zechariah 9:10 is there too. Listen as I read it to you,

Zec 9:10 (NLT)  “... Your king will bring peace to the nations. His realm will stretch from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.”

This is a further prophecy of Christ’s Coming again, literally the 2nd Coming of the Lord when He will come to earth to rule and reign over it, with saved Israel enjoying the long ago promises of the Land given to them. Yes, my friend every Easter Season that comes is a reminder we are closer than ever to the moment when the sky will break open and the glory of the Lord will appear to rapture away the Church of Jesus Christ and to usher in His time of severe judgments upon the whole world (The Tribulation Period). Will you be “Left Behind?” Will you be blinded by your continued rejection to hear God’s Word in your heart? Many Jews that day in Jerusalem rejected the blinding truth

and went on into spiritual and eternal darkness. Oh I pray this will not be so for you? Today do not harden your heart, but open it to see, hear and learn of Your King who comes to you. As the song writer has written, “ Rejoice, the Lord is King, Lift up your voice and sing, Receive the Lord as King and let His reign begin!” Right now, will you quietly bow your head or in the least allow your eyes to go heavenward, and call out

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!""

May God bless these words to every listening heart for Jesus sake, Amen...

... Yes friends, whether you acknowledge Jesus Christ now or not as your King and Creator, the Bible warns us everyone will one day in the future,

Phil 2:10-11 (NIV)  “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

It’s so much better to take Him today, as your King and Savior, than meet Him on that day as your Judge. May this Easter week truly be a blessing to you, as you remember the wonderful resurrection of Jesus Christ, and may His glory ever be upon you shining brightly through His mercy and grace.

Well friends, you’ve been listening to another edition of the World, the Word & You!  Speaking has been your host and commentator Dennis Finnan. I’m so glad you tuned our way, say if you would like a copy of today’s message on cassette or in printed form, please write to me and we’ll send it free of charge. We so appreciate all our listeners especially those who write to us. If you have never written before, would you do so this Easter season? Our programming depends upon this in your area. Please let us hear from you now here’s where to write: The World, the Word & You! Broadcast Post Office Box 40133, Grand Junction, CO 81504 USA , or you can visit our interactive website and write via email too. Point your computer browsers to “wwy.org” or “bibleradio.org” our mirror site and you will enter the world of our radio outreach.

Meanwhile as this is the Easter week, be sure to attend church this weekend, a Bible believing church of your choice and then tune us in again t the same time on this fine station. This is your host and speaker Dennis Finnan saying, “May God’s blessing be upon you, and may His grace and mercy ever shine forth on your home and family, and may you ever be prepared to meet Your King who is one day coming in glory!” God’s best to you. Good by for now.

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REFERENCE WORKS: 

1         MacArthur’s New Testament Commentary on Matthew

2         Dr. Henry Morris’ comments on Gen. 3:15 in the “Defender’s Study Bible”

3         Dr. Stephen Olford’s beautiful outline of Zechariah 9:9

The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for over 22 years, and serves as General Director.

These transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them. Also available are actual radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each message. A free listing of recent messages is available upon request also.

For further information, reprints, or a listing of all topics, please write to our speaker, Dennis L. Finnan(dennis@wwy.org),or visit our webpage at http://www.wwy.org/