The Kind of King We Expect

A devotional for Monday

Matthew 21:5
“Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey…”

If we were planning a parade for a king, it probably wouldn’t look like this. We might picture power, spectacle, and something impressive enough to capture everyone’s attention. Something closer to a grand entrance, full of energy and excitement. That’s what the crowd expected too. They were ready for a King who would take control, fix their problems, and lead them into victory. But Jesus entered differently. Quiet. Humble. Riding on a donkey instead of a warhorse. The kind of King He is didn’t match the kind of King they wanted. And that’s where the tension begins for us too. We often come to Jesus with expectations, hoping He will move in ways that align with what we want or need. But following Him means allowing Him to define who He is, not reshaping Him into who we’d prefer. The invitation of Palm Sunday is not just to celebrate Jesus, but to recognize Him for who He truly is.

Question/Challenge:
Where might you be expecting Jesus to show up in a way that fits your expectations instead of who He actually is?