Our King comes humbly, and He invites us to follow His example.
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”Zechariah 9:9 (KJV)
What does “Humility” mean in Zechariah 9:9?
Lowly means humble and gentle. A king riding a donkey instead of a warhorse shows that this ruler comes in peace.
Going deeper
Zechariah pictures a king arriving at Jerusalem, and everything about the scene is surprising. He is just and brings salvation, yet He comes humbly on a donkey. Kings who came to conquer rode horses. Kings who came in peace rode donkeys. The choice of animal says what kind of king this is. The Gospels later tell us that Jesus rode into Jerusalem in exactly this way.
Humility is not weakness. It is strength under control, power used for others. Advent gives us a chance to look at how we use our own influence. Do we lift others up, or do we make ourselves larger? One way to practice the humility of the King is to serve quietly this week, in a way no one will notice or thank you for. The One who could have arrived with an army chose instead to come gently. His followers can choose the same.
Reflect
How can you serve someone quietly this week, without needing credit?
Pray
Lord Jesus, You came gently and humbly, and I want to follow You. Teach me to serve without needing to be noticed. In Jesus' name, amen.
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