As Holy Week approaches and I meditate on the historical event of Palm Sunday, I am left with a sense of awe and the realisation of how skewed our worldviews of leadership have become. Palm Sunday stands in radical contrast to worldly leadership and authority today, where modern management theories emphasise power, charisma, and the cultivation of traits that ensure popularity. Christ’s triumphal entry dismantles every one of these presumptions.
Jesus chose to accept the Father’s will in submission humbly. As he rode on a colt through the streets of Jerusalem, people praised him, laid their cloaks on the ground, and sang to welcome him as their King with his disciples by His side. Yet, not long after, this scene would be utterly reversed: the same crowd would shout curses instead of praises, beat him instead of welcoming him, and instead of riding in triumph, he would drag a heavy cross. If this were to happen today, there would surely be a documentary titled “How to Fail as a King Overnight” or perhaps “How Not to Be a King”.
Jesus Christ is the true King of this world
When Jesus chose to enter Jerusalem riding on a colt, this moment carried layers of divine meaning that reverberated through history and eternity.
In the ancient Near East, kings and conquerors typically rode majestic horses or chariots as symbols of military power and royal status. A donkey, especially an unridden colt, was the humblest of animals, associated with peasants, not royalty. This is why Jesus’ choice to enter Jerusalem on a colt was profoundly countercultural, even for that time.
When Jesus told his disciples exactly how to get the colt (Mk 11:1-6), he showed us something amazing about who he is. First, he knew everything in advance: where the colt would be, what the owners would say, and when it would happen. This proves Jesus has God’s perfect knowledge (Ps 147:5). When the disciples said, “The Lord needs it,” this wasn’t just luck – it showed Jesus’ authority over everything. The whole world belongs to him (Ps 50:10), so he can use whatever he needs for his plans, even directing people’s actions.
Jesus Christ is the true King of this world, sovereign in authority, power, and wisdom. Yet, in his divine majesty, he chose to enter our world not as a conquering ruler but as the “humble King.” His royalty wasn’t merely revealed by riding a donkey (fulfilling Zech 9:9), but ultimately through the cross: the most humiliating death imaginable, willingly endured for our salvation. What a radical contrast to today’s worldly leadership & authority, which so often prioritises power, prestige, and self-interest!
As we prepare for Easter, let us pray for the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. May we embody our King’s servant-hearted love in how we live, lead, and love others. May we truly acknowledge him as King, not just with our words but through lives surrendered to his self-giving example.
