Today, we kick off our Easter series titled Portraits of the Forgiven. It all began with Jesus rolling into town on a donkey…this is where we join the story.
Jerusalem…
We pick up the story in the book of Matthew. Jesus sends a couple of disciples ahead of the group and instructs them,
“‘Go into the village over there,’ he said. ‘As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.’”1
The disciples were probably thinking…sure there is going to be a donkey waiting for us. They had been with Jesus for quite awhile and still they seem surprised that Jesus could know what was coming.
So…the two disciples walked into town, and, found the donkey just as Jesus said. They brought it to Him, and He hopped aboard.
The Prophecy
Jesus knew the ancient scriptures. He is the long-awaited Messiah, and the prophecy says,
““Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.’”2
Jesus was getting set to enter into Jerusalem, but most would expect their Savior, Messiah, or King to have a parade of epic proportions, but Jesus selected one of the humblest entry methods – a donkey.
And the Crowd Goes Wild…
It was time. The donkey was ready. Jesus was ready. The disciples were ready, and so they headed toward Jerusalem.
When they arrived in Jerusalem, a crowd had gathered, and the scene was getting exciting. People were cheering, and then they grabbed some palm branches and laid them on the road as Jesus came through town.
As they cheered, the chants rang out,
“Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Praise God in highest heaven!”3
People came out and praised Jesus. They saw Him heal people, cast out demons, take on the religious leaders and more.
Today…they chant praises, but as we will see, this cheerful adoration quickly turns into shouts of anger later in the week.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your blessings that are new each day. Thank you for sending your Son to us so that we can life everlasting. Please show and guide us this week as we learn more about your redeeming power in our lives. Amen!
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Footnotes
Say Thanks
Listen On…
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