Rev. Botrus Mansour
John 18:36- “My kingdom is not of this world”
Luke 19:28–44
This is the familiar reading of the story of Palm Sunday, found in all the Gospels, and I have chosen the account from the Gospel of Luke.
If we look back, we see that during Jesus’ ministry, the people wanted to crown Him as their king. Why?
- In Jesus’ time, the people were under Roman rule and longed for a leader who would deliver them from the Romans and rule over them as king. They were living under occupation and wanted a king.
- In John 6:10 and onward, we find one of the main reasons for their desire to make Him king, as well as Jesus’ response.
Jesus fed five thousand men, besides women and children, using five barley loaves and two fish, and they gathered twelve baskets full of leftovers.
They lived by agriculture and depended on rain.
For example, in the story of Naomi and Elimelech, they moved to Moab because of famine and lack of rain.
We also see years of famine in the story of Joseph.
So when Jesus fed them by the Sea of Galilee, their desire for Him to reign over them increased. Did He not provide for them? Did He not heal the sick? He gave them security, food, healing, protection (from storms), and teaching.
He addressed the economic problems they suffered at that time.
Yet for a period, Jesus resisted becoming a king.
For example, in verse 15 of that same chapter:
“But Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.”
But here we see a change!
At this moment—His entry into Jerusalem—it appears that His will and the will of the people met.
Earlier, in the previous chapter, the blind men in Jericho called out to Him, “Son of David,” and He did not stop them. It seemed He was willing to be recognized as the Messiah, as king.
Yes, a king—but a king of a different kind!
From the beginning, He turned expectations upside down. He embodied an upside-down kingdom.
He was born as a king, yet in extreme poverty, in a manger. He lived in poverty and had nowhere to lay His head.
He did not bring a message of military power, authority, violence, or political schemes.
In today’s world, we see power and authority, and unfortunately even believers sometimes support such force and dominance—yet Jesus presents a strikingly opposite model.
At this moment—His entry into Jerusalem—we clearly see that He is a king of a different kind.
We will look at Him before the entry, during the procession, and after the entry. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
- The Past – Before the Entry
In preparing for His entry into Jerusalem:
King Jesus did not even have a donkey to ride.
This king became poor so that we might become rich through His poverty.
The King of the universe had no animal. He also had to borrow a place to celebrate Passover, and even a place to be buried.
In short, He had nowhere to lay His head.
Jesus sent His disciples to a village (either Bethphage or Bethany). After the story of Lazarus in Bethany, His fame spread, and crowds came.
More than one person shared the donkey, showing their poverty as well.
Jesus instructed His disciples to tell the owners: “The Lord needs it.”
Here we see the first paradox:
“The Lord” — divine glory
“needs it” — human humility
Second paradox:
“Behold, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey”
A gentle king.
The problem of the world is that servants often pretend to be kings.
Religions send messengers telling people not to do this.
But Christianity does the opposite: the King sends Himself as a servant.
He truly is a different kind of king!
Interestingly, Jesus—unlike many gentle figures—did not make modest claims. He declared Himself Lord and Master. He said “I am,” calling himself the divine when they came to arrest Him.
So you either fully accept Him or reject Him—there is no middle ground.
“A donkey that no one had ever ridden” symbolizes something untouched—like His unused tomb, His birth from a virgin, and even the red heifer described in Scripture.
Despite the crowds and being untrained, the young donkey did not resist. Even this donkey teaches us something.
The disciples placed their garments on it as a sign of dedication.
Riding a donkey symbolizes humility and peace, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9:
“Rejoice greatly… your king comes to you… gentle and riding on a donkey…”
The phrase “righteous and victorious” is omitted in the New Testament account because His first coming was in peace and humility.
But in Revelation (19:11), He appears in glory, showing justice and victory.
- The Present – During the Procession
Again, we see paradoxes. He is not a typical political king.
His kingdom is in the hearts that long for Him.
We pray: “Your kingdom come.”
During His entry into Jerusalem, we see different reactions:
A. The Curious / Spectators
In John 12:9, people came out of curiosity to see Lazarus.
Like the crowds around the woman with the issue of blood—many touched Jesus, but only one touched in faith.
Today, churches may be full, but many attend out of habit, duty, or social reasons—without true faith.
The greatest gift you can give God is your heart.
Some of these same people later shouted, “Crucify Him!”
Christian life requires faith, commitment, and perseverance.
B. The Believing Worshipers
They spread garments (dedication) and sang from Psalm 118:
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”
They waved palm branches—symbols of victory, joy, and life.
They cried out:
“Blessed is the King…” (recognizing His authority)
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest”
This echoes the angels’ announcement at His birth.
In Mark, they shout “Hosanna”—meaning “Save us!”
May we be among these joyful worshipers.
C. The Pharisees
They wanted Jesus to silence the crowd.
But He said: if they keep silent, the stones will cry out.
Lifeless stones are better than ungrateful hearts.
We cannot stay silent about the Gospel.
Like Peter said: “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
- After the Procession
What happens next confirms He is a different kind of king:
Instead of royal robes, He was mocked with one
Instead of a golden crown, He wore a crown of thorns
Instead of a throne, He was placed on a cross
A king of a different kind.
During what should have been His celebration, He wept over the city—deep, intense sorrow.
He mourned for the very people who would call for His crucifixion.
This shows His love.
While people usually care for the king, He cares for them.
He came not to be served, but to serve.
Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.
To Him, a soul is more valuable than all the world.
So the focus of this feast is His kingdom in our hearts.
May God help us be obedient like the donkey’s owners, and worship wholeheartedly like the faithful believers.
Amen.
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