The Humble King
Zechariah 9:9–10
Considering His lowly birth in a manger, His entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey, washing the disciples' feet, and His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus demonstrates time and again just how humble He is. This goes against the grain of what we picture most kings as being. Rather than being someone who flaunts his power, Jesus came only to serve. Discuss how, as His followers, we need to follow His example and wholeheartedly serve other people.
9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim
and the warhorses from Jerusalem,
and the battle bow will be broken.
He will proclaim peace to the nations.
His rule will extend from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
Zec 9:9–10.
The Paradox of Power
In our world, power is usually associated with displays of force, wealth, and status. We expect kings to arrive in armored convoys or on spirited warhorses. That is not how Jesus came onto the scene. In fact, Jesus did not come in power or in a display of extravagance. Instead, he came in the same way he would live his life, with humility.
Humility: not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive
The Contrast: Zechariah presents a "victory parade" that defies every worldly expectation.
Target: Jesus Christ’s humility is not a sign of weakness, but the very instrument of His victory and the nature of His peace.
1. The Command to Rejoice (v. 9a)
"Rejoice greatly... Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!"
The Promise Kept: After centuries of silence and oppression, the prophet commands joy because the long-awaited King is finally arriving.
The Personal Connection: This isn't just a political shift; it's a personal rescue. He is coming to you.
Application: Our joy as Christians isn't based on our circumstances, but on the character and presence of the King who has come to meet us.
2. The Character of the King (v. 9b)
Zechariah highlights three specific traits of this coming King:
- "Righteous": He possesses the moral perfection that no earthly leader has. He does not rule by whim, but by holy justice.
- "Having salvation": He doesn't come to get something from the people; He comes to bring something to them. He is both the Victor and the Savior.
- "Lowly and riding on a donkey": * The Symbolism: In the ancient world, a king on a horse meant war; a king on a donkey signaled a mission of peace.
The Fulfillment: Matthew 21:1–5 shows Jesus choosing the donkey to claim this identity—the King who serves deliberately.
3. The Conquest of Peace (v. 10)
Disarming the Nations: "I will take away the chariots... and the war-horses."
The End of Violence: This King doesn't use the weapons of the world to establish His reign. He destroys the tools of war to create a space for grace.
For the plan of Christ to come to fruition in our lives, we must die to ourselves. That is the only way that we can not live in anger, envy, disgust, or any other mask that sin hides behind.
The Global Scope: "His rule will extend from sea to sea." His humility isn't small; it is the most expansive force in the universe.
Application: If the King achieved victory through humility and sacrifice (the Cross), we cannot expect to live for Him through pride and coercion.
Embracing the Humble King
The Choice: Will we accept a King who comes on a donkey, or are we still looking for a King who reflects our own desires for power?
The Invitation: The humble King invites the weary and burdened to find rest. His humility makes Him approachable to the greatest sinner and the smallest child.
