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.”
Randy Shaw
Alliance NW – Portland OR
Observation: Father, it looks like Jesus erases all doubt in people’s mind that He is claiming to be King (fulfilling well-known prophesy) when He courageously rides into Jerusalem down the main drag when it was overflowing with people who are in town for Passover. Seems like He knows full well what’s about to unfold. It’s as if He’s totally pushing the religious leaders to move God’s plan forward.
Action: Father, this week I’m facing situations that could easily move my heart to become totally fearful and anxious. I choose to lean into God’s grace and live out of the same courage that Jesus modeled as my King and do the right thing regardless the outcome. I choose to lean into His Spirit – who can move me forward from the spot I’m in. I yield my fear to Him as my Lord, inviting His rule to overcome the places in my heart where anxiety lurks.
AmenRandy
We admire powerful mercy & abhor merciless power. Enter Jesus upon a donkey’s colt. a King like none today. a King who is worthy of honor and imitation, a King who weeps for those who will not love as well as those who suffer, a King who wants good for all even those who won’t want Him. May we imitate Him and stand for Powerful Mercy and stand against Merciless Power where ever we encounter it.
Observation: When people were told Jesus needed something, they willingly let Him have it.
Action: Today I will ask, “What does the Lord need? What does the Kingdom require?” I will submit to those needs. I will participate in the Kingdom in this way
Spot on Doug! How often do we put our desires ahead of Jesus’?
I’m hearing along the lines of Doug as well. Lord help me to hear You and give any and all that You can use today. Amen
Observation: I imagine Passover was a very busy time for most people. But those who knew Jesus, or at least had hope in who he might be, made time for him.
Action: Make time for him. There’s nothing I’m doing this week more important than spending some time with the king.