On Saturday 6th May we expect to witness the Coronation of King Charles III. Modern technology will enable many millions around the world to view this historic royal ceremony and the procession that will follow.
In the Bible we read of a procession which took place in Israel nearly 2000 years ago. It was very simple, with no trumpet fanfare and little regal splendour.
Large crowds were gathering in Jerusalem ready for the Jewish Passover feast. Many saw Jesus, the Son of God, riding into the city on a young donkey. In His honour they laid their cloaks and palm leaves along the route to carpet the way. Adults and children alike were overjoyed to catch a glimpse of Jesus as He passed by. He had done so many amazing things and taught them so much more about God. He had shown such compassion, especially to those in need. They rejoiced, waving and shouting, ‘Hosanna: blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord’ (John 12.13).
What a joyful entry Jesus had into the city that day! Yet in less than one week, He would be put to death on a Roman cross. Jesus was hailed as King but the only crown He would wear would be a crown of thorns. He had not come to be an earthly king as the people imagined. They were hoping that He would free them from the hardships placed on them by the occupying Romans. However, Jesus—God’s Son—had rather come to free them from their sins.
‘If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed’ (John 8.36).
Our sin has separated us from a Holy God, so in His great love He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross to pay the punishment for sin. This means that all who are truly sorry for their sin and believe in Him will be forgiven, know peace with God and have everlasting life. This Easter, we worship a loving Saviour who left His throne in heaven and came to this earth to die in our place and rose again so that we could go free! He indeed is worthy of our highest praise!
‘Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul’ (Psalm 146.1).
Soon we will welcome Charles III as our newly crowned King but will we welcome Jesus, the King of kings, into our hearts?
