First Sunday in Advent (2025)

Advent 1 – Imminent Arrival of the King

Matthew 21:1–11

Sermon Theme: “Behold, Your King Comes—Humbly, Yet Powerfully.”

Introduction

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

A new Church Year dawns today, and Advent always begins the same way: not with shepherds in fields, not with Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem—but with Jesus riding a donkey toward Jerusalem. Not a cradle, but a King entering His city. Not angels singing “Glory to God,” but crowds shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

The Church does this deliberately. Because to truly understand the Child in the manger, you must see the Man who rides toward the cross. Advent always begins with a King coming to save.

And Matthew paints a picture for us that is at once stunning and startling. A King is arriving—but in a way no one expected.

Today the Spirit calls us to look again at this scene, and hear the Advent message: “Behold, your King comes to you—humbly, yet powerfully.”

I. The Scene of Arrival: A King Who Chooses Humility

Picture the scene. Jesus and His disciples approach Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. Behind Him, a crowd of pilgrims from Bethany. Ahead, another crowd streaming out of the gates. And in the middle of it all, the King of Heaven… asking His disciples to go find a donkey.

Jesus orchestrates every detail—nothing is accidental. He knows exactly where the animals are, what the owners will say, and how the conversation will end. All of it is carefully arranged so that Scripture is fulfilled before their eyes. Zechariah 9. Isaiah 62. The long-foretold Messiah entering Zion in gentleness and in peace.

But it isn’t what anyone expected.

Kings ride stallions. Generals ride war-horses. Dignitaries ride chariots.

Jesus rides a borrowed beast of burden — a donkey.

A colt that has never been ridden. Its mother, perhaps, trotting beside it.

Ordinary. Humble. Almost embarrassingly lowly for someone bearing the title “Son of David.”

And yet — this is how your King wants to be seen.

This is how your King wants to approach you.

Not intimidating. Not overpowering. Not coming to overwhelm you into belief.

But coming in humility, gentleness, accessibility.

One commentator calls the donkey “a living parable of the gospel.” (Bruner) This King comes low… so that no sinner is too low for Him to lift up.

II. The Crowd’s Cry and the City’s Stirring

As He rides down the slope of the Mount of Olives, the excitement builds. Cloaks are thrown on the ground—a royal welcome, the same honor once shown to King Jehu.

Branches are cut from trees. The road becomes a carpet of color. The crowds shout the ancient Psalm:

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna”—originally, “Save us now!” But on that day it has become a cry of praise.

Save us. Deliver us. You are the One.

But here again, expectations collide with reality. Many imagined military salvation. Political liberation. A new David with a sword. A kingdom of visible power.

Instead… a King on a donkey.

As I was studying the text something fascinating jumped off the page: Matthew says the whole city was “shaken” The NIV says “stirrred.”  The Greek word is “seismic.” Jerusalem trembled as Jesus entered. His presence always disturbs before it brings peace. The Lord’s arrival unsettles false hopes, exposes misplaced expectations.

And the city asks a question that still rings in our ears:

“Who is this?”

That is the Advent question. That is the question of every heart. That is the question of every worshipper.

Who is this King who enters so humbly… yet draws such praise?

III. The Malady: We Misjudge the King’s Arrival

We misjudge Him because we expect Him to arrive on our terms.

We expect Him to come with force to fix our circumstances.

We expect Him to come with fireworks to prove Himself.

We expect Him to come in ways that impress us—swiftly, visibly, dramatically.

But our King comes in ways that humble us before they help us.

He comes hidden under the ordinary things of life. He comes veiled in Word and water and bread and wine. He comes quietly, gently—because He comes not to crush sinners but to carry them.

And if we are honest, that disappoints us at times.

We want a powerful God to remove problems— not a humble God who rides into them with us.

We want a King who meets our expectations— not One who overturns them.

We want salvation that feels like triumph— not salvation that begins with a cross.

But Advent tells us: Your King comes as He must—not as we imagine.

Because His mission is not worldly victory… His mission is your redemption.

IV. The Means: The King Comes in Humility to Save, Not to Impress

And so—He comes humbly.

Zechariah said He would. Isaiah said He would. Matthew shows He does.

One trusted theologian (Lenski) writes:  “Other kings take; this King gives. Other kings demand; this King blesses.”

He comes in meekness because only meekness can bring sinners home.

A war-horse can defeat enemies, but a donkey carries burdens. And your King has come to carry the heaviest burden of all— your sin, your guilt, your shame, your death.

And so, He rides toward Jerusalem not to take a throne… but to take a cross.

Not to receive a crown of gold… but a crown of thorns.

Not to be blessed by His people… but to bless His people with His life.

And this same Jesus still arrives in humility today.

He arrives every time His Word is read and preached. He arrives every time water is splashed over a sinner in Baptism. He arrives every time His body and blood are given at His table.

Still humble. Still gentle. Still willing to come low… so that He might lift you high.

This is how your King reigns. This is how your King saves.

V. The Advent Call: Walk in the Light of the Coming King

Isaiah invites us: “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” Walk in the light of this humble King.

Paul assures us: “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious.” The nearness of this King is your peace.

As He arrives—past, present, future—He creates a new way of living:

A life freed from fear. A life anchored in His promises. A life filled with His peace which guards your heart. A life that walks in the light of His reign, even in dark places.

Conclusion: The King Has Come. The King Still Comes. The King Will Come Again.

This is Advent. The King has come—humbly, for you. The King still comes—gently, to strengthen you. And the King will come again—gloriously, to gather you.

Until that day, we join the crowds on the Mount of Olives and lift the same prayer:

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Come, Lord Jesus. Come as You promise. Come and save. Amen.

Prayers of the Church – Advent 1

Imminent Arrival of the King

Matthew 21:1–11

Pastor: Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

For the Church to Welcome Her Humble King

Pastor: Gracious Father, as we begin this new Church Year, turn our hearts again to Your Son, our humble King, who comes not to overpower but to save; not to demand but to bless. Fill Your Church with faith, hope, and joyful expectation as we welcome Him who rides toward the cross for our redemption. Lord, in Your mercy; Congregation: Hear our prayer.

For Faith to Recognize Christ’s Humble Arrival

Pastor: Lord Jesus Christ, You come to us in ways the world does not expect— in Your Word that speaks truth, in Baptism that washes clean, and in Your Supper that strengthens. Open our eyes to see Your humility as Your strength and Your gentleness as our salvation. Lord, in Your mercy; Congregation: Hear our prayer.

For Repentance and Renewal During Advent

Pastor: Holy Spirit, as Jerusalem trembled at the Lord’s arrival, shake our hearts where they have grown complacent. Expose false hopes, overturn our misplaced expectations, and lead us into genuine repentance. Prepare the way of the Lord within us, that our lives may bear fruit worthy of Your gospel. Lord, in Your mercy; Congregation: Hear our prayer.

For Peace in a Turbulent and Hurting World

Pastor: King of Kings, ride into the nations with Your peace. Still the violence of war, protect the innocent, restrain the wicked, and guide all leaders in paths of humility and justice. Grant wisdom where there is confusion, courage where there is fear, and hope where there is despair. Lord, in Your mercy; Congregation: Hear our prayer.

For the Suffering, the Sick, and the Weary

Pastor: Lord Jesus, You come near to the lowly and burdened. Be the strength of the weak, the healer of the sick, the comfort of the grieving, and the peace of the troubled. We especially remember before You today all who are struggling with illness, suffering with cancer and undergoing treatment, and recovering from injury. Lift them all, that they may know Your gentle presence and Your saving help. Lord, in Your mercy; Congregation: Hear our prayer.

For Our Congregation’s Mission and Witness

Pastor: Faithful Savior, ride into our congregation with renewing grace. Shape our worship, strengthen our unity, deepen our compassion, and make our witness bold. Let all who enter this place meet the King who comes humbly, yet powerfully, for their salvation. Lord, in Your mercy; Congregation: Hear our prayer.

For Hope as We Await His Final Coming

Pastor: Lord Christ, our Advent King, You have come, You still come, and You will come again in glory. Keep us steadfast in hope as we await the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess You as Lord. Guard our hearts with Your peace and fill us with joy in Your imminent arrival. Lord, in Your mercy; Congregation: Hear our prayer.

Pastor: Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy, through Jesus Christ, our humble and powerful King, who taught us to pray:

Congregation: Our Father, who art in heaven…