The King on a Donkey: Finding Peace in a Divided World
Text: Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 21:1–11
Theme: Undying Hope in Challenging Times
As we look toward Palm Sunday on 29 March 2026, we might wonder: what does this day mean for us now? Our minds are often crowded with worries. We see world events and human conflicts, and we wonder how to make sense of it all through the lens of our faith.
Just one week before this Palm Sunday, a brother in Christ, Lawrence Low, gifted me the devotional book “On Wings Like Eagles” by Robert M. Solomon. Reading the first devotional page, I found these comforting words from Isaiah 40:31 (NIV):
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
It leads us to an important question: Can we truly live with this kind of hope today? How do we find strength when we feel buried by an avalanche of personal challenges and global uncertainties?
The King and the “War-Horse”
The world feels heavy right now. We see deep tensions between nations, and even when these conflicts happen far away, we feel the tremors here in Singapore – whether through economic shifts or a general sense of concern for our global neighbours.
In times of trouble, it is natural to look for a “war-horse.” When we feel overwhelmed, we long for a majestic, powerful force to act as a shield – not about engaging a fight, but to provide us with a safe harbour. We search for a strength big enough to stand between us and our fears, giving the vulnerable the comfort and solace we need to finally feel at rest.
The story of Palm Sunday offers a profound portrait of humility. Five days before the Passover, Jesus made His entry into Jerusalem, eschewing the imposing warhorse of a conqueror or the grand displays of earthly prestige. Instead, He chose to ride upon a simple, borrowed young donkey.
This choice gives us the comfort we are looking for. Usually, the world thinks “power” means being fast, strong, or winning against others. Jesus shows us a different way. He teaches us that real safety doesn’t come from being the strongest or defeating everyone else. Instead, His Kingdom grows through a love that gives to others. Real safety doesn’t come from force. We are safe because our King is gentle and gave His life to give us eternal peace.
A Kingdom of the Heart
On Palm Sunday, the rustle of palm branches (in our hands or in our hearts) reminds us of the crowds who cried, “Hosanna!” While we hear this as a shout of praise, it was originally a plea for salvation: “Save us, we pray, O LORD!” (https://tinyurl.com/3yjmn8m4)
We recognize that our true King is not found in political schemes or military power, but in the Word and the Sacraments. This Kingdom is an inner reign. We find it in our daily lives (at work, in school, or at home) whenever we choose holiness, truth, and love, even in a divided world.
The Strength of the Servant
We cannot truly know Jesus as King if we look only at His crown and forget His scars. He is the “Suffering Servant” in Isaiah 53, using His strength to carry the heavy weight of our sins with “indescribable humility.”
While the world gives trophies to winners, Jesus found His glory in a different way. His victory was won through the deep sacrifice of the cross. Even the donkey He rode (an animal once considered “unclean”) reminds us that His grace is for every nation and every person, without exception.
Our Undying Hope
Can we live with hope in these troubled times? Yes. The events following Palm Sunday will remind us that our King did not stay on the donkey, and He did not stay on the cross. He rose from the dead! This proves that His faithful love is stronger than any earthly threat or modern weapon.
As Robert Solomon says in the first devotional in his book: “With faith and trust, we can wait for Him, be renewed in our strength, and live with an undying hope in His faithful love and power.”
This is not a passive waiting, but an active trust. We believe Jesus is present in His Church and in our hearts to free us from the darkness of sin and despair.
On 29 March, we celebrate a King who came to serve, not to be served. As world events weigh on our minds, may our strength be renewed. May we soar like eagles, knowing our King has already won the peace that the world cannot give.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, our Prince of Peace,
In this week before Palm Sunday, we bring to You the avalanche of challenges in our own lives and the tensions we see across the world.
We pray for the people of all nations. In a world that often relies on force, help us to trust in Your way of peace. May Your quiet strength be a shield for the weak, and may Your love guide the hearts of all leaders toward healing instead of conflict.
As we wait for You, renew our strength. Help us trade our worries for the “undying hope” found in Your love. Let Your peace reign in our hearts today and always.
Hosanna! Amen.
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