Matthew 21:1-11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
21When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, just say this, The Lord needs them. And he will send them immediately.[a] 4This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
5Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.6The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8A very large crowd[b] spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!10When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, Who is this? 11The crowds were saying, This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.
We enter holy week remembering how Jesus loved us. This is a week we must intentionally let intrude on our normal, everyday busy lives. We remind ourselves again and again this week, in whatever way that helps us to remember, that Jesus entered into our lives, into our sufferings, into our temptations, into our joys, sicknesses and even death. We remember this week the astonishing reality that Jesus entered into our lives and we are never aloneagain.
And how did Jesus make this entrance into our lives?
Likely the same way He entered Jerusalem: unobtrusively, humbly, and on a donkey.
We remember His gentleness in how He came to us this week and we seek to remember and praise Him all week.
For reflection...
Perhaps there were people around you cheering Him on in prayer when Jesus entered your life. Perhaps it was more silent, more lonelyfeeling foryou. But Jesus did enter humbly as you laid down your cloaks of your old way of life on the ground before Him.
Prepare for this week by praising God in prayer today for the way in which He came to you just as you needed at just the right time and with just the right inviting posture to propel you to follow Him.
Your life is different as a result of Jesus entrance. Sing Hosanna to your King! Let this holy week intrude on your plans and recall yourKing often!
