Palm Sunday, March 25, 2018

Matthew 21:1-11 (ESV): The Triumphal Entry

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

WHO IS THIS? To me, He is the promise keeper!

Reflection by: Saran Tucker, Women’s Mission Counselor

Often I find myself in my car, at home or at work, saying, “Thank God for Jesus.” During this Holy Week as that saying comes to mind, I will remember that Jesus knew what He was headed for and He did it anyway. He did it just for me. He did it just for _[Insert your name here]_. He did it just for each of the ladies at the Mission.

Jesus entered the City of Jerusalem with His people shouting and praising His arrival and yet there were citizens of Jerusalem that had no idea who He was. So, they asked the question, “Who is this?” They had no idea that the man who would die to save them and future generations was coming through their town! How often have we asked God for something and He puts it in plain sight and we still miss it? Well, thank God for Jesus because He makes all things new and His triumphal entry is proof of that. I am so grateful that He took that journey so that I can have life. Hosanna!

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Who is Jesus to you? If someone asked you, “who is this?” how would you respond?
2. Knowing that Caesar would have been riding into town on a mighty horse, what kind of statement do you think Jesus is making here?
3. Jesus made it a point to enter the city through humble means. What does that say about the means by which Christ enters our hearts?

PRAYER GUIDE

1. Pray that our eyes would be opened to what God puts in front of us.
2. Pray that our guests at the Mission would be able to declare that Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
3. Pray for the women at the shelter who struggle to know who they are in God’s sight: loved, protected, and cherished.