Arrival
Opening Prayer
Father, through the darkest hour, I believe that You are leading toward resurrection life.
Read Luke 19:28–44
[28] After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. [29] As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, [30] “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. [31] If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.'” [32] Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. [33] As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” [34] They replied, “The Lord needs it.” [35] They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. [36] As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. [37] When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: [38] “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” [39] Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” [40] “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” [41] As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it [42] and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace-but now it is hidden from your eyes. [43] The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. [44] They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How is the Father’s hand revealed?First the disciples find a colt for Jesus to ride, echoing the prophecies of Zechariah 9:9. Then the crowds sing: “Blessed is the king…!” (38), drawing from Psalm 118:26 with its images of royal entry into Jerusalem. Then, after he has wept over his beloved “city of peace” for all the trouble that is coming (41), Jesus goes on to cite further prophecies (which we shall discuss on Monday). In other words, Scripture is being fulfilled. Jesus’ journey comes to Jerusalem, its first climax (en route to a greater destination in his resurrection and ascension in a few chapters’ time). These are striking events being portrayed. Luke takes care to make sure that we see all of this through the lens of Scripture—what we now call the Old Testament is not abandoned but fulfilled. Likewise, as we in the church are “in Christ,” so we praise with those who praise, weep with those who weep, and stand up for what is right. We join in Jesus’ journey, awaiting our own future resurrection. God will work it out. Even if we did not get involved, the stones would cry out in praise (40).
Apply
Be part of God’s story, whether it means praying, weeping or action.
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