Going with the Crowd?
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, I welcome You to be with me now and am grateful for this time we share together.
Read Mark 11:1-11
[1] 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!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” [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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Reflect
How did the crowds welcome Jesus that day?People often lose their inhibitions. Past occurrences of rioting and looting in our cities are a frightening demonstration of that. For a less worrying example, just watch sports fans! This crowd was no exception (8-10). For the crowd, Jesus’ approach to Jerusalem on a donkey (“colt” can be a young one) had huge significance (10). Although Mark, unlike Matthew and John, never refers to it, the crowd clearly made a connection with Zechariah 9:9. This was not to be the last prophetic act that week. Enthusiasm can be deceptive and fickle, however. Before long, the shouts of praise would turn into shouts which were much more threatening (15:13,14). We are not exempt from the dangers brought by enthusiasm. Praising God in church or at a big Christian event can be relatively easy. The crowd can sweep us along. But what is really important is our personal response to him. Obedience and faithfulness are the evidence of the sincerity of our praise. Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem would end in sadness and triumph. For us, discipleship means following “the man on the donkey” all the way.
Apply
How could you echo the praise of the crowd today? Is there a fresh step of obedience you could take?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I hail You today as Lord of all and my Lord, too. May it always be so.
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