Welcoming Our King Today

As the season of Holy Week unfolds, we are reminded of one of Christianity’s most powerful moments: the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. In a world filled with various “kings,” perhaps the greatest question we can ask ourselves is: What kind of king do we truly need? The speaker’s sermon invites us to reflect on this question through the lens of Scripture, particularly in Luke 19:28-40, which recounts this profound entry.

In this passage, Jesus comes riding humbly on a young donkey, greeted by joyous crowds shouting, “Blessed is the King that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Luke 19:38, KJV). The scene is vibrant with shouts of “Hosanna,” reminiscent of the words found in Psalm 118:26, emphasizing the messianic hopes of the people. However, this isn’t just a historical recounting; rather, it poses an ongoing relevance for us today.

The speaker urges us to recognize our need for a king who can fill the voids in our lives. The need for a Savior is woven into the fabric of our humanity. In truth, all of us yearn for something or someone to bring peace and purpose. The author Leslie Jamison, as referenced in the sermon, discusses her struggle with addiction and the ways it reflects a common human experience of seeking fulfillment yet feeling perpetually empty. This “lack” can often lead us to substitute our dependence on God with various addictions or secular pursuits, as seen in the lives of those who labor tirelessly in competitive environments seeking recognition or success.

As the speaker poignantly articulates, “A state of insufficiency is simply part of being human.” We aspire for contentment, yet we find that all worldly kings—whether they be careers, relationships, or material possessions—ultimately leave us yearning for more. This is where the gentle humility of Jesus becomes not only refreshing but vital. He is not a king who rides in on a warhorse, but one who approaches us with compassion, knowing our struggles and weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15, KJV).

Jesus’ arrival exemplifies how He meets our need without judgment or oppression. The crowd’s praises signify a recognition of His unique kingship—one marked not by power but by grace. If we let Him, Jesus can reorder our loves and heal our addictions. We learn that our response to such a king must be transformative. We are called to respond with obedience, even when we may not fully understand His ways. The speaker reminds us, “It’s far above our pay grade to ask that question. Why? Ours is just to obey.”

We also reflect on worship as the communal anthem of our hearts—a response not only to His kingship but to the forgiveness He offers. Just as the crowd worshipped Him with coats and palm branches, we too are invited to lay down our burdens before Him, recognizing that it is only through Christ that our pasts are redeemed and our futures secured.

As we look forward during this Holy Week, let us further contemplate our own responses to King Jesus. Are we surrendering our lives to His gentle sovereignty? Are we acknowledging our need for forgiveness and grace?

May we take time to reflect, pray, and grow in our relationship with Him. It is in our vulnerability that His strength is magnified.

If you seek a community to explore these truths further, we warmly invite you to worship with us at Knox Evangelical Church, located in Old Strathcona just north of Whyte Avenue in Edmonton. For updated event news, check out the Knox Event Calendar. Together, let us journey in faith, welcoming our King into our hearts and lives today.