Sunday 10 September 2023

Matthew 21:1-11

¹ As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. 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 right away.”

⁴ This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

⁵ “Say to Daughter Zion,

‘See, your king comes to you,

gentle and riding on a donkey,

and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

⁶ The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. ⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. ⁸ A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ The crowds that went ahead of him and those that 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 Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

¹¹ The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

In a triumphant entry, Jesus arrives at the holy city of Jerusalem bringing hope and joy. He is not the conquering warlord that some thought the Messiah would be, but the embodiment of love and service. As He makes His way into the city, the people acknowledge Him, displaying a king’s welcome by spreading their coats and branches on the road.

I can’t help to think of the humility Jesus shows in His leadership. It highlights the contrasts between heavenly and worldly values. I am reminded to fix my eyes beyond this life and place my trust in God who is just and good.

Hosanna is a plea for God to save us. Many believed He would be the political figure of the Messiah that would rescue them from their current circumstance. Jesus, however, had a far greater plan than we could have imagined. He came as the suffering servant to finish His work on the cross and reconcile us with our Heavenly Father.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithful love and perfect plan to save Your people through Jesus. Let us always remember that You are the true source of life and joy. Help us to fix our eyes and hearts upon You, always.

In Your precious name, Jesus. Amen

Written by Sven Bessesen