🌿 The Danger of Pride and the Power of Humility: Learning from Jesus’ Triumphal Entry

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A Devotional Reflection on John 12:12–19 – Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

✨ Introduction: When God’s Victory Doesn’t Look Like Ours

What do you do when God answers your prayers—but not in the way you expected?

The crowd in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus with palm branches, loud praises, and messianic hopes. They believed a King had finally come. Yet the way Jesus entered the city challenged everything they thought they knew about power, victory, and salvation.

Sometimes, God comes triumphantly into our lives—but quietly, humbly, and on a path we would never choose.

This devotional invites you to walk that road to Jerusalem again and to examine your own heart as the King approaches—not on a warhorse, but on a donkey.

📖 Scripture Reading

John 12:12–19

“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” (John 12:15)

📜 Observation: A King Unlike Any Other

As the news spread that Jesus was approaching Jerusalem for the Passover, a large crowd gathered to meet Him. Many carried palm branches—symbols of victory and national hope—shouting praises and declaring blessings on the One who comes in the name of the Lord. They openly proclaimed Jesus as the King of Israel.

Yet the scene unfolded unexpectedly.

Instead of riding a majestic horse as conquering kings often did, Jesus chose a young donkey’s colt. This deliberate act fulfilled the prophecy written centuries earlier (Zechariah 9:9), revealing that His kingship was rooted not in force, but in humility and peace.

At the time, even Jesus’ own disciples did not fully understand the meaning of these events. It was only after Jesus was glorified—after His death, resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit—that they realized these moments were part of God’s eternal plan.

Meanwhile, many in the crowd were eyewitnesses to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. They could not keep silent. Their testimony spread rapidly, drawing even more attention to Jesus.

The Pharisees, despite their deep knowledge of Scripture, were alarmed. They recognized the growing influence of Jesus, yet their hardened hearts prevented them from seeing that everything unfolding before them was already written in God’s Word.

Truth revealed: Knowing Scripture is not the same as surrendering to God.

🔍 Insights: The Power of Humility

Jesus revealed something radical that day: true authority flows from humility.

Though He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus chose gentleness over grandeur. Pride, the very sin that led Lucifer to fall, is something God deeply opposes. Perhaps this is why Jesus consistently modeled humility—so that His followers would understand that greatness in God’s Kingdom looks very different from the world’s definition.

The disciples’ delayed understanding also teaches us something important:
God often reveals His purposes in His timing, not ours. It was only when they were filled with the Holy Spirit that clarity came. Pride could no longer rule their hearts because the Spirit now led them.

In contrast, the Pharisees—though religious and knowledgeable—were driven by fear, control, and pride. Their schemes against Jesus exposed hearts resistant to truth. Scripture without submission had made them blind.

“Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man.” — C.S. Lewis

❤️ Life Testimony: When I Wanted a King on My Terms

There was a season in my life when I welcomed Jesus much like that crowd in Jerusalem—enthusiastic, hopeful, and full of expectations. I praised Him, prayed fervently, and called Him King… but deep inside, I wanted Him to rule on my terms.

I wanted Him to fix what was broken, to defend me, to elevate me—but without challenging my pride. I wanted a conquering King, not a humbling Savior.

Like the crowd shouting “Hosanna,” I had my own version of what Jesus should do. I desired His power yet resisted His process.

God exposed this during a time when I felt overlooked and unappreciated. I began comparing my journey with others, quietly questioning why my path had shifted—from the corporate world to simply obeying what God asked of me. Though I told God I wanted to be used for His glory, my heart still clung to recognition and control.

Outwardly, I looked faithful. Inwardly, pride was taking root.

I realized I was choosing the path I preferred, while God was leading me toward one that felt uncomfortable—marked by trials, surrender, and hidden seasons. Yet it was precisely this path God wanted to use to shape my testimony.

When I reflected on Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, my heart was deeply humbled. Jesus did not assert His authority through applause or dominance. He trusted the Father completely—even when misunderstood.

That was when I understood:
Trusting God with all my heart means surrendering not only my plans, but my ego, my expectations, and my need to be seen.

Like the disciples, I learned that clarity often comes later. What feels confusing now may one day become a testimony of God’s wisdom.

Today, I am still learning to lay down my palm branches—my desire for control and recognition—and to welcome Jesus as King not just with my words, but with obedience.

And I’ve discovered this truth:
When Jesus reigns in humility over my heart, there is a peace and freedom that pride could never give.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” — Andrew Murray (based on James 4:6)

🪜 Life Application: Welcoming the King Daily

How can we respond when Jesus enters our lives in ways we don’t expect?

  • Examine your expectations
    Are you welcoming Jesus for who He truly is—or for what you want Him to do?
  • Practice daily humility
    Ask God to reveal areas where pride quietly hides.
  • Trust God’s timing
    Understanding often comes after obedience.
  • Lay down your ‘palm branches’
    Surrender your need for control, recognition, and certainty.
  • Let Jesus redefine victory
    His way leads to eternal peace, not temporary applause.

✍️ Journaling Prompt

🖊️ Where in my life am I asking Jesus to reign—yet still holding onto control?
🖊️ What expectations do I need to surrender so I can fully trust His way?

Write honestly. God meets us in truth, not perfection.

🕯️ Prayer

🙏 Prayer for a Humble Heart

Dear Lord God,
Let Your Holy Spirit work in me and through me. Help me to remain aware of my heart each day—especially in moments when pride quietly rises within me. Convict me immediately when my thoughts, words, or actions drift away from humility. Teach me to imitate Christ in all things. May I welcome You not only as Savior, but as King over every part of my life.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

💬 Let’s Reflect Together

Have you ever welcomed Jesus with expectations—only to realize He was working in a deeper, humbler way than you imagined?
I’d love to hear your story in the comments.

🌱 Continue the Journey

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Let us keep walking with the King—wherever His humble path may lead.

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