Savior Stories
We love stories where the hero saves the day. Whether it’s a last-second, game-winning shot, a firefighter rescuing someone from danger, or a movie where good triumphs over evil, something in us longs for a savior—someone who can step in and make things right against impossible odds.
That’s exactly how people in Jerusalem felt when Jesus arrived early in in the first century.
They waved palm branches—the traditional symbols of victory and national pride—expecting Him to be the kind of savior they had hoped for. They thought He would overthrow Roman rule, reclaim Judea’s independence, and lead them to victory. How? No one was quite sure, but they certainly had some expectations of their would-be savior. Jesus, however, had a different kind of salvation in mind.
By riding into the city on a donkey, He fulfilled an ancient prophecy about a king who would model humility and bring peace. Jesus wasn’t coming to conquer nations—He arrived to conquer sin and death. He wasn’t there to bring victory through causing harm. He was there to bring victory by becoming a victim of violence Himself.
By the end of the week, the crowds who publicly cheered for Him would be replaced by crowds calling for His crucifixion. Why? Because He didn’t fit people’s expectations.
They hoped for a strong king riding a war horse with a sword in his hand, not a humble servant who would quietly allow Himself to be executed. Yet Jesus was exactly the Savior they (and we) needed. He came not just to fix the problems of a broken world but to rescue us for eternity.
Take a moment to ask yourself: In what ways do I expect God to work according to my plans instead of trusting His?
Scriptures: Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:37-38, Zechariah 9:9-10
Prayer: Jesus, You are the Savior I need, even when I don’t fully understand Your plan. Help me to trust You, not just in the way I want, but in the way You know is best. Amen.
Challenge: Who is Jesus to you? The people in Jerusalem had their own ideas about what kind of Savior He should be—but Jesus came to bring a greater salvation than they imagined. As you begin this Easter journey, take time to reflect: What does it mean for Jesus to be your Savior? Check out this article to learn more about Jesus and what kind of Savior He is.