What I Want, What I Need
“...If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately."
Matthew 21:1-11
March 17, 2026, Words By: Angelika Gier, Image By: Street Psalms
Made Flesh
As I sit with the news from around the world each day, I see blatant power plays, control, disruption, and crisis. We have heard about wars between countries—something I’d only read about in history textbooks. I never imagined living in a world where wars would once again become a present reality. Alongside this, there have been numerous cases of religious and communal conflicts gaining momentum in ways that hit closer to home.
The more I read, the more it stirs anger, fear, and restlessness within me. Quietly, I find myself hoping for a revolution—an uproar that would turn everything upside down and bring freedom and peace to this chaos. The injustice is confusing when I remember that all people are created in God’s own image.
My heart cries out,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest!”
(Matthew 21:9)
As I read about Jesus’ triumphant entry in this week’s gospel text, I wonder: what did power look like to the Jews at that time?
Some historians of Scripture describe Passover as a period when the Romans increased their presence in Jerusalem to assert their authority and prevent riots during the pilgrimage. The Romans would march into the city with large military parades, presenting themselves as conquerors and reinforcing their dominance over the Jews, who were waiting for a Messiah to rescue them.
And then we encounter Jesus, a carpenter from the insignificant, poor, and obscure village of Nazareth. He enters the city of Jerusalem riding on a donkey, weeping loudly, accompanied by fishermen, sinners, women, and the least among the people as His troop and army.
These are two entirely different armies walking into the city of Jerusalem in the midst of political catastrophe, nationalism, religious division, and fear for life itself. People shouting “Hosanna!” wanted a louder, more dramatic and immediate response to their plight: a Messiah who would overthrow their oppressors and restore national pride and freedom.
Perhaps their longing was not very different from my own. When I look at the chaos of the world, I wish for justice and peace, quickly and visibly, for people facing devastation, homelessness and hopelessness.
What I want is a revolution; what I need is peace! It all depends on where I place my trust: a horse or a donkey, both displaying victory, character, and a belief system. Is the reinforcement of my own thoughts, validation from the world, or power of any kind truly a victory for me? Or is victory the humbling sigh of resting in Jesus’ embrace and love, knowing He is in control? Is this a victorious place for me where I can surrender and submit?
Jesus orchestrated every detail of His journey into Jerusalem—the humble donkey, His chosen path, the twelve who followed Him, His timing, His presence, the chaos He was entering, and the disruption He so intentionally created. He authored His own story, and I believe He is the author of mine too.
In this restless, wounded world, I need to learn to live with the freedom I have in the Spirit, and be submerged in God’s love and grace!
Dwelling Among Us
What aspects of your life push you towards choosing between the horse and the donkey, and how does your choice impact your own being and character for others?
What does victory truly mean, if Jesus is asking us to rest in him and his love?
About The Author
