“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

Matthew 21:1-11

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,

“Hosannato the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[c]

“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 the story directly preceding Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus encountered two blind men. They called out to Jesus, “Show us mercy, Lord, Son of David!” Jesus stopped and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Obviously, the men responded, “Lord, we want to see.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes and they were able to see.

If the story ended at that moment, it would have been more than enough, but it continued. The story ended with the men following Jesus into Jerusalem. I'm sure they expected to see certain things when they followed Jesus, not the least of which would have been a king riding into town with complete power and control. Yet what they and everyone else saw was a humble servant riding on a donkey coming in peace.

This week – Holy Week – is our invitation to have our eyes opened by Christ and to follow along in the story of his crucifixion, death, and Resurrection. May we all approach the week with an attitude of receptivity, expecting not to see what we have always seen and expected, but simply to receive what Christ has for us in this special week. I look forward to taking the journey with you!

Prayer:

Loving God, open our eyes once again to see what you would have us see so that we can become who you have called us to be. Amen.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey – symbolizing a King riding into town in peace. If Jesus chose humility over pomp and circumstance, what does that say about the value we place on status and our perceptions of power in our world?

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the city was stirred up and asked, “Who is this?” There are many different answers to that question – he was just a good man and teacher, a lesser deity, or truly the Son of God. How would you answer that question today? Who is Jesus for you in your life?

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