April 18: The Purpose of the Ride: Journey to the Cross

In a Nutshell

While Palm Sunday celebrated Jesus’ entry as King on a donkey, today, Good Friday, we remember the ultimate purpose of that journey. The ride towards Jerusalem was a determined step towards the cross, where He would bear the greatest burden for our freedom.

Anchor Verse

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV): “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Unpacking the Word

On Palm Sunday, the crowds shouted “Hosanna!” celebrating the arrival of a King. Jesus rode on a humble donkey, a sign of peace and humility, fulfilling prophecy. But that triumphant entry, filled with palms and praise, was not the final destination. It was a significant stop on a determined journey – a journey leading directly to the cross.

The donkey carried Jesus towards the temple, where He would confront hypocrisy. But ultimately, it carried Him towards Calvary. The cheers of the crowd would soon turn to cries of “Crucify Him!” The King who arrived in humility would embrace the ultimate humiliation. The One who offered an easy yoke would take upon Himself the crushing weight of the world’s sin.

Today, Good Friday, we shift our focus from the outward celebration to the profound sacrifice it foreshadowed. The donkey, known for bearing burdens, carried the One who would soon become the ultimate Burden-Bearer. As Isaiah prophesied centuries earlier, He would be pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities. The peace we long for, the healing we desperately need, was purchased at an immense cost – His suffering, His wounds, His death.

The freedom Pastor Reuben spoke about – freedom from being tied up, freedom from fear, freedom from the penalty of sin – finds its source here, at the foot of the cross. Jesus didn’t just talk about setting captives free; He paid the ransom with His own blood. He didn’t just offer a light burden; He took the unbearable burden of our guilt and shame upon Himself.

The donkey carried a King moving willingly towards sacrifice. Jesus knew what awaited Him in Jerusalem. His ride wasn’t one of blissful ignorance but of resolute love and obedience to the Father’s will. He rode towards suffering so that we could ride into eternal life. He endured the darkness so we could walk in His light.

As we reflect today, let the image of the humble donkey carrying Jesus remind us of the greater journey He undertook. Let us remember the depth of His love, the pain He endured, and the incredible exchange made on the cross – our sin for His righteousness, our bondage for His freedom, our death for His life. The King who rode the donkey gave His all, for us.

Pause and Reflect

• How does understanding the ultimate destination (the cross) add depth to the story of Jesus riding the donkey into Jerusalem?
• Reflect on Isaiah 53:5. Personalize it: “He was pierced for my transgressions, crushed for my iniquities.” What emotions or thoughts does this stir in you?
• Considering the immense burden Jesus carried on the cross, how does it reframe the burdens you are tempted to cling to yourself?

Faith in Action

• Spend dedicated time today reading one of the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion (e.g., Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19). Meditate on the details and thank Jesus for specific aspects of His sacrifice.
• Listen to a worship song focused on the cross (e.g., “The Wonderful Cross,” “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us,” “Man of Sorrows”). Let the music guide your heart in gratitude and awe.
• Reflect on one specific sin or burden Jesus took for you on the cross. Verbally thank Him for bearing it and releasing you from its power and penalty.

A Moment With God

Approach God with a heart full of gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus. Thank Him for bearing your sins, for the punishment He took, and for the peace and healing offered through His wounds. Ask for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cross this Good Friday.

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