It was Sunday—the day we now call Palm Sunday. Without a doubt, this was not Jesus’ first visit to Jerusalem. As a devout Jew, Jesus would have gone to Jerusalem every year for the three great feasts (Luke 2:41-42; John 2:13, 5:1). In the past 3 years, Jesus had also ministered and taught in that great city. But His coming into Jerusalem this Sunday was radically different.
By riding a young donkey into Jerusalem at a time when thousands of worshipers were coming into the city, Jesus deliberately put Himself in the center of attention (Matthew 21:9-11). It was dangerous for him to enter Jerusalem, for there was a conspiracy to arrest and murder Him (John 11:57; Mark 14:1). But this ride into the Holy City was His “coronation” as King (Matthew 21:5), and the crowd acknowledged Him as the Davidic Messiah, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9 NIV), meaning “Save us, we pray, Son of David.”
Why would Jesus take the place of prominence before thousands of people when for the past 3 years He had deliberately kept a low profile? (John 6:15, 7:10, 11:54). Why would He accept the people’s proclamation that He was King, just 5 days before His death?
Matthew says that this took place to fulfill a 500-year-old prophecy (Matthew 21:4-5) that God’s chosen king would come into Jerusalem “righteous and victorious, yet . . . humble . . . riding on a donkey’s colt” (Zechariah 9:9; see also Genesis 49:10-11).
This was a truly unusual way for a triumphant king to enter a city. Conquering rulers normally rode on mighty stallions. But Jesus wasn’t riding a warhorse. This reveals what kind of King Jesus is. He came in meekness and lowliness. Jesus came, not for war, but to establish peace between God and us (Acts 10:36; Colossians 1:20-21).
Open the Door to Blessing
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your
might...”
(Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from
Joel and Victoria
Did you know that when you do something to the best of
your ability because you want to honor God, it opens the door to His blessing?
That means it will be easier, it will go better, and you will accomplish more.
That’s why no matter what we do, we should give it our best. This is especially
true even in the little things. For example, when you’re doing the dishes or
mowing the lawn, don’t drag around sour and frustrated. Mow with enthusiasm!
Mow it like you’re on a mission from God. With every step, thank God that your
legs work. Thank Him that you’re healthy and strong. At the office, don’t just
do enough to get by. You’re not working unto people, you’re working unto God.
Do it with your whole heart. When you volunteer at church, don’t wake up and
think, “Awe, man. Why did I volunteer? I want to sleep in!” No, serve Him with
all your heart because that's what honors God. When you honor God, He’ll honor
you. He’ll give you His life, peace, health and blessing now and forevermore!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for Your hand of blessing on my
life. I choose today to serve You with my whole heart and do everything to the
best of my ability. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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