April 9 | Matthew 21:1-11

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DAILY READING

Matthew 21:1-11

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REFLECTION

Your King Comes

By Beth Voltmann

 “‘See your king comes to you,

Gentle and riding on a donkey...”

 (Matthew 21:5)

We celebrate this moment in the life of Jesus as Palm Sunday – the “Triumphal Entry”. Had the disciples truly understood what the day signified, perhaps they would have attempted to keep Jesus from traveling such a route, but there would be no stopping this moment. Prophecy was being fulfilled and Jesus was fully aware of the path he was on – a path of deep suffering and sorrow but one of obedience to the Father that would lead to salvation for all who would believe.

Jesus had recently been attracting attention in the region. Many had heard the tale of how Lazarus was raised from the dead. They had watched in amazement as the blind were healed and observed the life-altering change in Zacchaeus, the tax collector, once Jesus called him down from the tree.

Now, on this day, as Jesus headed toward Jerusalem, the masses were swelling with excitement and  the crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna” (meaning SAVE). “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (v. 9)

This story always stirs discomfort in my heart because I know what is coming. The crowds will turn on him in just a few short days from this celebration. It reminds me a bit of how our enthusiasm waxes and wanes for the coach of our local, beloved football team. For weeks we cheer and applaud as our team miraculously leads the conference in competition, but the moment we experience a sudden loss (to an un-named team from the north) our affection changes!

I recently read an article that Denzel Washington (actor and now minister) was asked to speak to a group of young athletes. He was quoted as saying,

“Rely on the Almighty.

Do not rely on this world for your happiness,

because it’ll tell you Tuesday that they love you,

and Wednesday that they hate you.”

Jesus knew the people’s propensity towards hostility  – the fine line between love and hate in response to sin. He knew what was coming, and yet, he was fully present in this moment of rousing adoration and praise. He welcomed the cries of “Hosanna!” This was the way of the cross. He was willing. He trusted the plan of his Father, and humbled himself to obey.

PRAYER

Lord, may we, too, be fully present in the joy and celebration of this coming Palm Sunday. We believe and trust in your perfect plan and worship Jesus as our king who saves! Thank you for a Messiah who willingly lived among us, aware of our sinfulness, and resolutely walked cross-ward to make a way for our salvation. Thank you that he is still fully present to celebrate with us today even though he is aware of our failures of tomorrow. We pray for obedient hearts to follow in the footsteps of Jesus to the cross. Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.