The movie Aladdin features a young man of poor upbringing who seeks to earn the hand of a princess in marriage.

Using a newly found magic lamp, a genie grants Aladdin’s wish to become a prince.

His wish results in a caravan of truly epic proportions celebrating his newly created persona, Prince Ali Ababwa, along with the appearance of immense wealth.

In Matthew 21:1-11, we see Jesus humbly ride into Jerusalem as the one true King:

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her.

Untie them and bring them to me.

If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.

They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Jesus is the only King worthy of all praise and adoration.

Prayer

Thank You Jesus!

Thank You for humbling Yourself to become a man even though You are King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

Because of Your sacrifice we as sons and daughters are heirs to Your eternal kingdom if only we believe in You.

Action

Take a moment this week and praise God for Your eternal inheritance.

Then ask Him to help you exercise your authority on earth over the domain(s), (family, finances, work), He’s given to you.

DID YOU KNOW? – BREAK BREAD TRIVIA

The story of Aladdin illustrates the point that God blesses who you are and not who you pretend to be. In the end Princess Jasmine fell in love with the genuine nature of the poor young man from Agrabah, not the fictional wealthy prince.  

Frank Turner is the founder of Break Bread, Break Chains and is the co-host of the following podcasts: Defund The Church, Relative Currency, Politically Entertaining, and Christ over Crypto. He is also the founder and creator of the op-ed site Fake News Syndicate.