When tensions rise among nations and their differences are not settled, what can often happen is they resort to a show of force. It could be a military exercise in the region. It could be a missile test. The idea is to intimidate the other side into capitulating.

This doesn’t just happen on a national level—you do this too. The time you raised your voice at someone (or gave him the silent treatment), that was a show of force. In little ways and big ways you can try to manipulate others.

But manipulation is not how God handles things, and Palm Sunday is the proof. During holy week Jesus would face the unrighteous anger of the jealous Jewish leaders. He would endure an unfair death sentence from Rome. He would face torture and death. So on Palm Sunday, before it all, he made a show of force in a way that you’d never expect.

His force was humility. Do you know why? Because in a way, the real enemy was you. It was humankind who brought sin into this world long ago, and your life is a constant testimony that sin remains.

Divine strength would have destroyed you. But it was his righteous humility that allowed him to take your place and redeem you.

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9).