Tag: Matthew 21
Who is this?
Scripture reading for January 29: Matthew 21
“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.”” Matthew 21:7-10
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, He chose the entry of the kings of Israel and instructed His disciples where to find the donkey colt for Him to ride. This was a prophetic ride, depicting His triumphant return to earth to set up His millennial kingdom. The crowds spread their cloaks before Him as a sign of honor and submission. They proclaimed Him “Son of David”, a messianic title. They worshiped Him with a prophetic declaration as coming in the Name of the Lord! Each person’s view and understanding was being shaped by the Word of God that they knew and the revelation of Jesus as He had ministered to His own people. Many asked “Who is this?” Some said that Jesus was a prophet from Galilee. Each person responded through the view that they had by grace from Jesus and His Father.
God allows each person to make up their mind and develop an understanding of Jesus and Who He is. When He returns, our world view of Jesus will determine our eternal destiny. Have you formed an opinion of Jesus Christ? Has Scripture been a basis of your understanding? Have you been public in your worship and declaration of Jesus Christ, Son of David and Son of God? Are you still asking “Who is this?”?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this record of Jesus Christ entering Jerusalem as a humble King. Thank You for drawing each person to ask about Your Son and for revealing Your Son. I proclaim “Hosanna in the highest to the Son of God!” Stir up the hearts of all people to know Him as Lord and Savior. Amen.
Faith and prayer move mountains!
Scripture reading for January 29th: Matthew 21
Key scriptures for over-comers: Matthew 21:20-22 “When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, “God, throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.””
Jesus had cursed a fig tree that had no fruit and the next day the disciples marveled that it was dead from the roots. They asked Jesus how this could happen. He gave them a simple but profound answer that would enable them to live as over-comers in their calling as disciples and apostles. Having faith in God and His ability to do what He is showing you is the key to receiving answers to prayer. Jesus told them that they could not only curse a fig tree but speak to a mountain and see it moved! God would honor their faith and their asking Him for the ability and results that they needed for their ministry.
Observations for over-comers: Without faith we cannot please God! When we ask Him in faith for our needs, we honor God and He delivers! “Ask of Me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, and the ends of the earth your possession.” (Psalm 2:8) “and call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” (Psalm 50:15)
Jesus turned the tables!
Scripture reading for January 29th: Matthew 21
“Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying ad selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” He said to them, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’!”” (Matthew 21:12-13)
At the beginning of His last Passover week, Jesus entered Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey and was hailed by the crowds as the ‘Son of David,’ the revered king of Israel. The city was stirred with messianic hope and speculation. Jesus entered the temple and caused a bigger stir! He overturned the tables of the money-changers and cleaned house! John recorded that this had also happened earlier in His ministry and then he used a whip of cord to drive them out! (John 2:15) This marketing of sacrifices was a money-making opportunity for the religious leaders of the day. But Jesus viewed it as hindering the people, Jew and Gentile, from coming to God for His help and blessing.
The religious leaders later asked Jesus where He got His authority to drive out the money-changers. Jesus turned the tables in a different way with a question. “Jesus replied, I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these thing. John’s baptism–where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?” (Matthew 21:24) They refused to answer because however they answered they were exposed! Truth must be willingly embraced or it results in hardened hearts! The religious leaders looked for a way to arrest Him! Are we embracing Jesus’ authority over our bodies as His temple? (1st Corinthians 6:19-20)