He Has Ridden!

What does that mean? | Palm Sunday 2026 | Lent 2026 | Jesus Christ | Christianity

Photo by Brady Leavell on Unsplash

Palm Sunday

We’re Almost There

Where has this year gone? Time sure flies by, and we’re commemorating Palm Sunday today. I’m glad you’re on this journey with me and with all the other readers of Night Owl Christian (NOC). For those who are new, I’ve added links below to my previous articles about Palm Sunday. Enjoy!

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry Hid a Troubled Heart (March 2024)

Living Like Jesus in Challenging Times (April 2025)

If you’re a not-yet follower of Jesus Christ, please come along on this journey with us. You are welcome here.

And, I invite you to read my series on the book “What Does God Want?”.

He Has Ridden Indeed

Okay, what’s with the word “ridden”? Typically, on Resurrection Sunday (aka Easter), Christians greet each other with these words:

Believer 1: “Christ has risen!”

Believer 2: “He has risen indeed!”

Well, husband and I both have a somewhat demented, or quirky, sense of humor, especially the hubs. Several years ago on Palm Sunday, after the service ended we walked out of the Sanctuary and into the Narthex where our pastor stood to greet people. My husband shook our pastor’s hand and said with great joy:

Hubs: “Christ has ridden!”

Pastor:

[Crickets]

That didn’t go over well.

Some years later, a new senior pastor came on staff. The following Palm Sunday, my brave husband greeted our pastor with the same phrase and…

… our new pastor “got it”. He chuckled. I breathed a sigh of relief and gratitude.

Yes, Jesus has ridden, He has ridden indeed, and He rode into Jerusalem with the cross in His sights.

Matthew 21:1-7 (BSB)
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me. 3 If anyone questions you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 “Say to the Daughter of Zion,

‘See, your King comes to you,

gentle and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

6 So the disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.

The people waved palm fronds and rejoiced over Jesus of Nazareth because many of them hoped that He would rescue them from their oppressive rulers, the Romans. They shouted “Hosannah!” because they were ready to follow Him in defeating the Roman rulers in their land. They were ready to crown Him Israel’s king in Jerusalem, the city founded by King David.

Jesus knew where that donkey was taking Him. He knew that He rode toward the place where He, the Lamb of God, would offer the final sacrifice for sins, for you and for me. He knew that as the Son of God from the royal house of King David, He would win the ultimate victory over all the rebellious and evil rulers, principalities, and authorities of this world. He knew He would then be declared King of kings and Lord of lords, risen from the dead.

Revelation 17:14 and 19:15-16 (BSB)
17:14 They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”

19:15 And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Yes, Jesus has ridden, He has ridden indeed. And as He rode on the donkey toward His death, Jesus provided us with a example to follow.

Humility: Jesus’ Example

Philippians 2:5-8 (BSB)
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
something to be grasped,

7 but emptied Himself,
taking the form of a servant,
being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross.

For many of us Jesus followers, developing a humble character in ourselves can challenge us more than anything in this life. I confess it sure challenges me at times. And the noise of our world encourages behavior that’s the opposite of humility. Jesus talked about humility often during His earthly ministry. It’s a topic that deserves a series of posts on its own and not just one post on one Sunday.

And yet, while we lean into God’s word to learn humility and apply it to how we live each day, we are not alone on this journey. The Holy Spirit in us is always available to teach us, guide us, correct us, and encourage us. [Read my series on the Holy Spirit.]

I pray that you and I will continue our journey this Holy Week by focusing on Christ’s humility, starting with the Son of God astride a lowly donkey. Let us seek His face and ask the Holy Spirit to encourage and empower us each day to live humble lives that give Father God all the glory.

Luke 9 & Matthew 16 - Give up your own way
Xander Stok | Project of Love [4 mins 23 secs]

Maranatha, come (again) Lord Jesus.
Soli Deo Gloria!

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