In Jesus Christ, in whom all God’s promises are yes and amen, the redeeming gospel of the kingdom had come. It would begin as a mustard seed and grow to fill the earth. Mark tells us that when Jesus entered Jerusalem His first order of business was to go the temple and “look around at all things” (Mark 11:11). The sense was not to sightsee but to inspect.

My house shall be called a house of prayer.

“For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isaiah 56:7, NKJV)

If this page had a volume control it would be turned up high. Shouts of praise would be deafening as Jesus, riding on a donkey, entered Jerusalem. Messianic expectation had reached a fever pitch. “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:9–10)

After three and a half years of public ministry in which Jesus had preached the kingdom of God and had foretold His death, the time had arrived. The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.

Not only was this the culmination of Jesus’ ministry, it was culmination of covenant promise. The womb of history, pregnant with the promise of God, had come to term.

God would pour out His mercies on Jew and Gentile, all who will believe.

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