Come Unto Him

The week before Jesus rose triumphant from the tomb, He left the comforts of Bethany and went to Jerusalem. Along the way, Jesus sent two of His disciples to get a colt that had not been ridden before—not a stately steed but a donkey, ready and willing to serve his master. Upon this humble animal the King of Kings rode.1

A crowd of believers gathered to give Jesus a royal welcome. As He descended the Mount of Olives and entered Jerusalem, they laid clothes on the ground and waved branches of palm trees. They called out, “Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.”2

His followers rejoiced with such loud voices that some Pharisees asked if He couldn’t quiet them. Jesus answered, “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”3  He was heralded as King of Heaven and Earth before offering His perfect life. He would bring victory over death, sin, and suffering. His was the greatest of all conquests. Although some passed by, preoccupied or skeptical, and gave Him no regard, those who had “eyes to see”4 saw their Savior that day. They welcomed their King. And He received their praise. Humbly, ever so humbly, He accepted their devotion and fulfilled ancient prophecy.5

The next day, Jesus cursed a fig tree for its hypocrisy. Its leaves, so healthy and vibrant, belied the fact that it bore no fruit.6   Unlike the fig tree, Jesus was everything He said He was. No hypocrisy was in Him. He Himself said, “I am the true vine.”7

He alone could descend below all and bring life and salvation to those who would humbly seek it. The Lord taught: “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”8  He invites us to come unto Him, to taste the sweetness of forgiveness and “[gather] fruit unto life eternal.”9 His promises are sure, His peace everlasting.

Come unto him all ye depressed,
Ye erring souls whose eyes are dim,
Ye weary ones who long for rest.
Come unto him! Come unto him!10

Notes:

1. See Mark 11:1–7; Luke 19:29–36.
2. See John 12:12–13; Mark 11:8–10.
3. Luke 19:40.
4. Deuteronomy 29:4.
5. Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4–5.
6. See Matthew 21:19; Mark 11:13–14.
7. John 15:1.
8. Matthew 23:11–12.

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