Preparing your heart, mind, and soul…

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 21:1-11

When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, 2 telling them, “Go into the village ahead of you. At once you will find a donkey tied there with her colt. 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 at once.”

4 This took place so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:

5 Tell Daughter Zion,
“See, your King is coming to you,
gentle, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt,
the foal of a donkey.”

6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt; then they laid their clothes on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their clothes on the road; others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. 9 Then the crowds who went ahead of him and those who 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 he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in an uproar, saying, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

• Why do the crowds welcome Jesus so joyfully? What hopes do you think they had?

• Jesus fulfils prophecy yet turns the idea of kingship upside-down. How does a humble king challenge your view of power?

• How do you join in worshipping Jesus today, in words and actions?
  

PRAYER

Lord, our King and Messiah, we celebrate you today. Make our hearts humble and loyal, like palm branches laid before you. Help us recognise Jesus as Lord now. Hosanna in the highest—save us with your living presence! As I go about my day today, would you help me to see and know you as King. Help my day be an act of worship to you.
Amen

DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION

Who is this King?

Today Jesus is greeted as the promised Son of David, except he comes “gentle, mounted on a donkey” (Zech 9:9). The expectation of a conquering hero is replaced by a king of peace. This reminds us that God’s ways are higher and different.
Jesus fulfils God’s plan by rising to the throne of the cross, not a palace. Maybe today, you could devote some moments to marvel: the same King who allowed crowds to praise him for a brief morning will soon hang on a cross for their (and our) salvation.

Whether your day is busy or quiet today, look for everyday ‘donkeys’ – humble moments where God is doing different things than the people of our region expect (a kind word, someone sharing something, a decision made that trusts God, a Bible open, or a spiritual question asked ) – and lay down your ‘branches’ of praise, welcoming Jesus’ reign in your heart. Thank him for the blessings you have and for always working for the good of his people.

QUOTE TO PONDER

“He who might have ridden on the clouds of heaven rode on a colt, that he might show the lowliness of his kingdom.”

- Charles Spurgeon -

ACTION

As you go about your day, look for ‘donkeys’ but if they are hard to see, then maybe on the way to or from work, or making your way around the house, when you see a branch in a tree, remind yourself of the palm leaves laid down and silently say - “Hosanna - Jesus, you are King!”