The most exalted vision of God in the Old Testament is now a carpenter about to walk through a town on a baby donkey as He's prepared to be slaughtered.
Scripture Focus: John 12:12-16; Isaiah 6:1-3
John 12:37-41 connects the dots for us: "But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him... These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him."
Question: Who's "Him"? Jesus.
Isaiah saw Jesus's glory—the throne, the seraphim, the holiness, the smoke, the trembling thresholds. That was Jesus.
And now, in John 12, here comes that same King. But He's not on a throne lofty and exalted. He's on a baby donkey, lifting up His legs because the donkey is so low to the ground His knees will drag. It's a symbol of lowliness, humility, gentleness.
No golden-encrusted chariot. Not even a noble horse. No streets of gold. No banners. No trumpets. No armed force. Riches for rags.
The One whose robe fills the temple with glory is wearing garments that four days later are going to be divided by the soldiers who crucify Him. The One of whom the twenty-four elders cast their crowns before His throne is about to be nailed to a cross.
And the King who hears the anthem of fiercely loyal seraphim warriors declaring His holiness is now hearing the anthem of fickle followers shouting out "Hosanna!" And in four days they're going to be shouting, "We want Barabbas! Crucify Him!"
It's remarkable. Here comes the King of the universe with a plot against His life and a price on His head. Here comes the King regarded as a common criminal by the people He came to save. Here comes the Author of life with a plan to put Him to death.
Has it ever dawned on you? That the man on the cross is the King of the universe?
In His first advent, Jesus came in meekness and humility and gentleness because He extends life through belief in His name. He came in on a donkey signifying peace. And you can have peace with Him by believing in Him.
But when He comes back, Revelation 19 says He's coming on a white horse. His eyes are a flame of fire. On His head are many diadems. He's clothed with a robe dipped in blood. And the armies of heaven follow Him. From His mouth comes a sharp sword so that He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron.
And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
One day every knee is going to bow. They're going to see Him for who He is.
Be gripped by His holiness now and fall on your knees—while it's still a choice.
1. Do you see Jesus as the humble carpenter, or do you also see Him as the holy King of Kings?
2. Have you bowed your knee to Him now, or are you waiting until it's no longer a choice?
3. What does it mean for you today that the King of the universe humbled Himself to die for you?
Stay dialed in.