Matthew 21:1-11
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today we see Jesus enter Jerusalem for the final days of his earthly ministry. Read Matthew 21:1-11 imagining you are there observing these events as they unfold.
He has taught and demonstrated the ways of God’s Kingdom throughout his earthly life, and now, more than ever, Jesus embodies the reign of God on earth. He rides into Jerusalem not on a stallion (the symbol of a conquering hero) but as royalty on a donkey’s colt. He is not leading a revolt to overthrow the sitting government or the religious order; he already reigns supreme over any and every earthly power.
A.W. Tozer wrote that “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
Take some time to consider what comes to your mind when you think about Jesus and how your ideas about Jesus have changed as you’ve journeyed with him in the Gospels. Share these thoughts with Jesus in prayer.
Read Matthew 21:1-11 again noticing anything new that stands out in this reading.
When the Magi came in search of the newborn king, the city of Jerusalem was “troubled,” but now as the King of Kings enters, the city is in an uproar of excitement. They symbolically pledge their loyalty and celebrate an expected victory over their oppressors as they cry out “Hosannah!” (“Save now!”).
But in just a few days these “supporters” will either disappear or turn into an angry mob intent on Jesus’ destruction. Whatever they think of Jesus now, many are harboring mistaken notions.
We really have only two choices when it comes to Jesus. Either we willingly surrender ourselves to him and recognize him as supreme over all other influences, expectations, and loyalties, or we don’t. None of us is (or will be in this life) fully or perfectly surrendered, but each of us has the choice every day to let Jesus deconstruct our distorted ideas about him so he can transform us into the people God intended us to be.
For the remaining time in this period of reflection take all of your thoughts to King Jesus and then get quiet and listen to him.
What might Jesus be saying to you today?
What will you do to respond?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
