Scripture: Luke 19:28-40 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “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. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. 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: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
“I tell you, “He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Devotional: It’s Palm Sunday, the day we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. A day the multitudes would celebrate and proclaim Him as the coming King.
Just days later, Jesus would be condemned to die on a cruel Roman cross.
This week, to prepare ourselves to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and His victory over sin and death, we will look at His final words – words heavily weighted with purpose and meaning. But today, consider the hopefulness of Jesus’ followers as He entered Jerusalem proclaiming His coming Kingdom.
Little did they know His Kingdom would look much different than they imagined. It would be an eternal Kingdom; but one that would not come before a death, a burial, and a miraculous resurrection.
Reflect:
- What thoughts do you have regarding the contrast between Jesus’ joyful entry into Jerusalem and His horrendous condemnation and crucifixion a mere days later?
- Where do you imagine those hopeful followers were in the midst of His trial and crucifixion?