Making An Entrance
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, as we celebrate this special day, I join with believers all around the world to worship You.
Read Matthew 21:1-11
[1] As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, [2] 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. [3] If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” [4] This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: [5] “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.'” [6] The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. [7] They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. [8] A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. [9] 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!” [10] When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” [11] The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What impression did Jesus make that day?In the past, Jesus slipped into Jerusalem on foot, making every effort to keep his identity quiet. This visit is different: he pauses at Bethphage, a nearby village, and bids his disciples find suitable transport: a colt, the foal of a donkey, which has never been ridden. It is unclear whether the colt has been prearranged or whether it is a miracle of provision, but it is clear that everything is exactly as Jesus has said it will be. He’s in charge of every detail and there’s no need for contingency plans. As he rides into Jerusalem, he is acting out the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 for all to see. He is announcing his identity, saying “I am your King.” The crowd knows what this means. Throwing their cloaks in an act of submission, they call out “Hosanna!” (meaning “save us!”) and “Son of David.” By the time Jesus reaches the city gates, there is turmoil (10). The crowd doesn’t fully understand the implications of this, waving and strewing palm branches (a symbol of victory) as if they were welcoming a revolutionary leader. But this Jesus is a humble, peace-making, servant king, arriving on a colt, not the stallion that a conquering hero might choose.
Apply
If the Lord arrived today, what welcome would you give him? Would you be eager and ready to receive him?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I hail You as the Lord and King of all. May You be Lord in my life, too.
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