DARING DISCIPLESHIP
Opening Prayer
I Praise You, my Good Shepherd who cares for me, Messiah who brings salvation, my Light of the world who guides me.
Read Mark 11:1–11
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna![a]”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Footnotes:
a Mark 11:9 A Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise; also in verse 10
b Mark 11:9 Psalm 118:25,26
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What are your favorite names of God to use when praising?I’ve always found the start of this story a little disturbing. Jesus asks two of His disciples to go and help themselves to someone else’s donkey, giving them a story to tell if they get caught (2, 3)!
Why did the disciples obey? Well, they trusted Him. They had walked with Him for a few years now and seen the power of His words. They were getting used to Him doing strange things. The more we obey Jesus, the more we see His faithfulness and His power, the easier it becomes to obey.
When was the last time Jesus asked you to do something that seemed scary or weird? Perhaps it was offering to pray for a colleague or speaking up for what is morally right. Or maybe it was something specific, like giving a particular gift or calling someone at just the right time. It probably wasn’t borrowing a stranger’s donkey!
If you think about it, Jesus’ “triumphal entry” – the only time in His earthly ministry that He was publicly praised for who He is – depended on the obedience of two ordinary disciples who were given a daring commission. As His disciples, it is our obedience – sometimes in ways that surprise or terrify us – that allows others to see who Jesus really is and to begin to praise Him.
Apply
Commit this week to start a new practice. Before you leave your house (or your bed!) ask God to show you who He wants you to impact this week or what actions for others He wants you to do.
Closing prayer
Jesus, You came to serve, not to be served (10:45). Teach me to live like You, always looking for ways to honor the Father.
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