A Misunderstood Identity

March 29, 2026

“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 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. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 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 heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11

In May 2024, Prince Charles was crowned King of Great Britain. The coronation ceremony and surrounding events ended up costing British taxpayers about £72 million (or about $91 million). Officials called the coronation a “slimmed down” event compared to previous coronations. Lest we think as Americans who have no king that these costs are excessive, going back sixteen years, each presidential inauguration has cost over $100 million. I share these figures not so much as a criticism but to set up a contrast.

Jesus came to Jerusalem as the true and rightful king. The bounds of His kingdom know no ends. The limits of His authority do not exist. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, yet Jesus entered Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey. And though He, and He alone, deserves the crown, the one placed on His head would draw blood.

As we enter Holy Week, we are met with the harsh reality of a celebration in the shadow of the cross. Jesus rides the borrowed donkey, and a large crowd gathers. They cheer Him on, spreading cloaks on the road and waving palm branches. These are signs of homage and hope. They honor Jesus as their king, even as they hope for what His kingship will bring.

Through the season of Lent, we have been preparing our hearts and minds for the celebration of our King. It is worth asking: What sort of King are we getting ready to celebrate? Will we celebrate a king made in our image, or will we celebrate the Jesus who is? Will we celebrate a cheerleader for our preferences, a mascot for our causes, a voice that seems always to echo our preferred political opinions? Or will we celebrate the One who came to Jerusalem riding on a borrowed donkey, making his way through adoring but misguided crowds, as the cross loomed in the distance?

Which king we choose to celebrate matters. Why? Because many of those who didn’t understand, who had misguided notions, that stood celebrating as Jesus rode in would be the same ones a few days later shouting, “Crucify!” 

Here, a week before the rejoicing begins, we must ask: Will we celebrate the king we’ve invented, or will we celebrate the King who created us?

Grace and peace,
Brandon