The King Has Come-But What Did You Expect?

Good morning Ekklesia Family

Imagine a royal parade. Streets lined with people holding banners, waving, shouting praises. Now imagine instead of a golden chariot, the king comes riding... on a donkey. No guards, no crown, just humility cloaked in prophecy. That’s what happened in Matthew 21. But the question isn’t what they saw—it’s what they expected.

Matthew 21 opens with Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. The crowd shouts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” They laid cloaks and branches on the road—a sign of royal honor. Yet the King they welcomed would soon be rejected by many of the same mouths shouting His praise.

This chapter also reveals the heart of Jesus as He enters the temple and drives out the money changers (vv.12–13). He declares, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” The same Jesus who came in peace also comes with righteous authority.

Matthew 21 is a holy collision—between expectations and reality, between praise and rejection, between religion and righteousness. Jesus is the prophesied King, but He challenges our ideas of power. He comes not just to be celebrated, but to cleanse, correct, and call us deeper.

1. Check your expectations. Are you praising a version of Jesus that fits your plan or submitting to the real King who may flip your tables?

2. Clean your temple. What in your heart, habits, or home needs to be overturned for prayer to rise again?

3. Recognize your moment. The people had the King in their midst but missed His mission. Don’t let tradition, pride, or fear cause you to miss what God is doing right now.

Lord Jesus, ride into our hearts just as You rode into Jerusalem. Tear down every idol and cleanse every place that’s become a den of distraction. Help us not only shout “Hosanna” with our lips but welcome You fully with our lives. Teach us to trust Your way, even when it doesn't match our expectations. Restore prayer, purity, and purpose in our temple. We surrender to Your kingship and welcome Your correction. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Have you welcomed the King or only watched the parade? Today is your moment to go beyond admiration to allegiance. Surrender your heart, your habits, your hopes to Jesus Christ. Join us at Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries where we walk with the King daily and lift Him high so He can draw all men unto Himself. Visit ekklesiachristianlife.org to begin your discipleship journey today.

LoveUmorethanUknow,

Pastor Stephän Kirby