Sunday 9 August, 2015

11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” 4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

The great tragedy of this passage is that the very same people who were shouting Jesus’ praises, would days later be shouting “Crucify Him!” There is a lot more meaning hidden in these verses and a lot of context to explore, but that is one thing that sticks out to me.

My application is to freshly ask and believe in the glorious grace of God. He first loved us, even when we were His enemies, even when we were sinners and beyond hope. Without the sacrifice, grace and love of Jesus, I am without hope, and to recognise that is to recognise my utter need for Him.

Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice, and thank You for Your love. Thank You that You stopped at nothing out of Your love for me. Please show me mercy and grace each day as I walk with You.

Written by Matt Samperi