Most of us have experienced the agonizing anticipation that comes when waiting for the season premiere of our favorite show. The previous season ended with a cliffhanger, leaving us counting down the days, eager to see how the story unfolds. As the premiere approaches, the excitement grows, and finally, the moment arrives. Every eye is glued to the screen, hearts racing with excitement.

Now, imagine that kind of anticipation magnified over a hundred years. That’s what the Jewish people felt as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. For nearly a century, they had endured Roman rule, waiting for their promised Messiah. They longed for relief from oppression, the restoration of their kingdom, and a leader who would set things right. Finally, here He was—the One they believed would bring deliverance.

The excitement was undeniable. The crowd rushed to meet Jesus, waving palm branches—symbols of Jewish nationalism and victory. It was their way of declaring, ‘Our King has come!’ They shouted ‘Hosanna!’—meaning ‘Save us now!’—with praise and adoration, believing that Jesus was the King of Israel who would overthrow the Romans and establish His Kingdom.

And they were right…yet so wrong at the same time.

Yes, Jesus was indeed the Savior, the Messiah, and the King. But He wasn’t the kind of king they were expecting. They envisioned a mighty ruler arriving on a warhorse, ready to lead a political and military revolution. Instead, Jesus came humbly, riding on a lowly donkey. He had not come to conquer Rome—He had come to conquer sin and death.

This is where the people’s expectations fell short. They wanted a king who would change their external circumstances, but Jesus came to change their hearts. They longed for immediate freedom from Rome, but Jesus came to offer eternal freedom from sin. They sought salvation on their terms, but Jesus came to fulfill a greater purpose—one they didn’t yet understand.

Even Jesus’ closest disciples struggled to grasp the full picture. But just a week later, everything would become clear. The same crowd that shouted ‘Hosanna!’ would soon cry, ‘Crucify Him!’ The King they had welcomed with palm branches would wear a crown of thorns. The throne they had envisioned for Him would instead be a cross.

But that wasn’t the end of the story.

While the Jewish people misunderstood Jesus’ first coming, there is another part of the story yet to unfold. Revelation 19:11 tells us that one day, Jesus will return—not on a donkey, but on a white horse, as the victorious King of kings. He will come, not in humility to suffer, but in majesty to reign. And on that day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

The season finale the world has been waiting for will finally arrive. This time, there will be no mistaking who He is. Every promise will be fulfilled, every tear wiped away, and every injustice made right. This will be the ultimate conclusion—the finale of finales. And unlike our favorite shows, this ending will be perfect, complete, and worth the wait. Let it be, in Jesus’ name.

A Prayer for Expectant Hearts

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, our true Savior and King. Help us to recognize Your plans beyond our own expectations. When we long for immediate relief, remind us that Your timing is perfect, and Your ways are higher than ours. Give us hearts that trust in Your promises, knowing that Jesus will return in victory. Strengthen our faith so that we live in expectation, not just of what You can do now, but of the eternal Kingdom to come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

How We Should Respond

Take a moment today to reflect on areas where you may have expectations of God that don’t align with His greater plan. Surrender those expectations to Him and ask for the faith to trust in His perfect timing. Then, spend time reading Revelation Chapter 19 and let the promise of Jesus’ return renew your hope.