The King No One Expected
Scripture: Philippians 2:7
A World Longing for Rescue
In the time leading up to Jesus’ ministry, the people of Israel were living under deep political and religious strain. Corruption had taken root among both rulers and religious leaders. Power was abused, the poor were exploited, and many longed for something different.
They prayed for a Messiah.
Someone who would overthrow oppression. Someone who would restore justice. Someone who would reclaim their freedom and dignity.
Rumors began to spread about a man performing miracles. A man healing the sick and feeding the hungry. Hope began to rise.
Could this finally be the one?
The King They Expected
As Jesus entered Jerusalem for Passover, the crowds responded with excitement. They waved palm branches, laid down their cloaks, and welcomed him as a king.
This moment, often celebrated as Palm Sunday, carried deep expectations.
Many believed Jesus would lead a revolution. They imagined a dramatic overthrow of Roman power. They expected strength, force, and visible victory.
Everything about the moment pointed toward a political uprising.
But Jesus had something very different in mind.
An Unexpected Turn
Instead of confronting Roman authorities, Jesus turned toward the Temple.
There, he drove out merchants and money changers who were exploiting worshippers. He challenged the very system his people had come to rely on.
Then, just as suddenly as the moment began, he left.
No battle.
No uprising.
No war.
The crowd, the religious leaders, and even the Roman authorities were left confused.
What kind of king behaves this way?
A Different Kind of Power
The answer lies in a word the Apostle Paul later used to describe Jesus: kenosis.
Kenosis means “self-emptying.”
Rather than grasping for power, Jesus chose humility. Rather than asserting dominance, he surrendered control. Rather than elevating himself, he lowered himself.
This was not weakness.
This was a different kind of strength.
While earthly rulers, like Herod, pursued wealth, control, and recognition, Jesus embodied something entirely different. As Scripture reminds us:
Love is not envious, boastful, or proud. It is not self-seeking or easily angered. It does not keep a record of wrongs.
This is the life Jesus lived.
Turning the World Upside Down
Jesus didn’t just teach these ideas. He lived them.
He turned the world’s understanding of power upside down:
To be blessed, be a blessing.
To receive love, give love.
To be honored, be humble.
To lead, become a servant.
To truly live, let go of yourself.
These teachings are not easy. They run counter to everything our world values.
Yet Jesus showed that true power is not found in control or dominance, but in humility and obedience to God.
Even the cross, which appeared to be defeat, became the ultimate demonstration of God’s power over sin and death.
Living a Life of Kenosis
While we may not be called to the same path Jesus walked, we are invited to live with the same spirit.
We are called to practice kenosis in our own lives.
This looks like:
Choosing humility over pride
Serving others rather than seeking status
Giving generously
Praying for those who hurt us
Living with peace instead of control
When we release our need to hold power over others, we begin to experience a deeper kind of strength.
A strength rooted in God.
The Way of Christ
Jesus’ life reminds us that what the world celebrates is not always what matters most.
Kings rise and fall. Empires fade. Power shifts.
But the life of Christ endures.
Through humility, obedience, and love, Jesus revealed a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And he invites us to live as citizens of that kingdom.
As we enter Holy Week, we are reminded that everything we expect may be turned upside down.
And in that reversal, we discover something greater.
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Peace & Blessings,
Pastor Richard
Reflection
Where might God be inviting you to let go of control and embrace humility in your life this week?
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