The King and the Call

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:38 (NIV)

What might it have been like to be with the crowd that day who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem? Imagine the sights, sounds, and jubilant emotions as the crowd looked down the road to see Jesus. We can hear them shout, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”. They cried out together, though not in perfect unison, their voices blending into a powerful chorus of joy, again and again, their shouts rising and falling like waves of praise. 

What they may not have recognized at that moment was that his entrance was more than just a celebration—it was a recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. Yet, it also served as an invitation for all believers to carry forward the message that the Kingdom of God had arrived.  

Psalm 118:26, the verse echoed by the crowd, originally referred to those who came to worship at the temple. In its original form, it speaks generically of “he” who comes in the name of the Lord. However, in Luke 19:38, the crowd explicitly proclaims Jesus as King, recognizing Him as the ultimate fulfillment of this verse. His entry into Jerusalem carried political implications but was ultimately a spiritual declaration that God's kingdom was at hand.

However, this proclamation was not meant to end with Jesus’ arrival. The call to evangelism is woven into the fabric of His mission. In Matthew 28:19-20, commonly known as The Great Commission, Jesus commands His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. Romans 10:14-15 reminds us that people cannot believe unless they hear the message and Acts 1:8 commissions believers to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.  

Luke 19:38 is both a declaration and a calling. It proclaims Jesus as King and invites us to carry his message forward. As we reflect on this passage, we recognize our role in continuing his mission—bringing the good news of peace and salvation to the world. Whether through personal testimony, acts of service, or intentional outreach, we are called to embody his love and share his truth in our daily lives.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus, the true King who comes in your name. As we reflect on his entry into Jerusalem, may our hearts be filled with the same joy and anticipation that moved the crowd that day. May we both recognize his kingship and also embrace the call to share his good news. Strengthen us to walk in faith, to proclaim his peace, and to bring his salvation into the world. Guide us in your purpose so that our lives may reflect your kingdom and bring glory to your name. In the name of King Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim