Scripture: Luke 19:28-44
The Triumphal Entry
29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.”
35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
Palm Sunday Devotional Thoughts:
Jesus knew fully what awaited him in Jerusalem. He was a wanted man. A bounty was laid upon his head. Even so, he deliberately made arrangements for his arrival. Even though he had been to Jerusalem many times, this time held a different significance.
Jesus gave specific instructions for the disciples to bring him a colt that had never been sat upon. A colt was customary for royalty. Jesus was entering the city as the Prince of Peace as prophesied. F.B. Meyer observed Jesus entering on a colt in which no one has ever sat as an illustration of how God requires undivided loyalty from us. The seat of authority is for Jesus and Jesus alone.
Jesus enters the city on a borrowed colt, to a display of extravagant honor and praise. The people praised God for sending Jesus to them. Throwing down branches and their clothing to line the streets for Jesus to pass. Yelling “Hosanna”(Matthew 21) and “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 19). Hosanna is a statement or exclamation of praise. It is from a biblical Hebrew phrase meaning “Pray, save us.” Little did the people know that their request would be fulfilled just a few days later.
The crowds’ praises to Jesus made Jesus’ enemies uncomfortable and feel defeated. John 12:19 says that on this day, the Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “ You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”. Nothing throws defeat in the enemy’s face more than praises of God ringing in their ears. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to rebuke his disciples and make them be quiet. Jesus’ reply was simple. “If they were to be silent the stones would cry out.” In Psalms, the bible speaks of creation giving praise to God. (Psalm 148:7-13, Psalm 96:11-12) The stones did not cry out because the people were praising Jesus. The creation did not need to cry out because those around Jesus were doing what they were created to do. The people praised Jesus in remembrance of all the things he had done.
The people of that time remembered Jesus healing those who were blind, or cripple from the beginning of their life. They might have been there when the woman grabbed his garment and was instantly healed, or they may have been in the house when the friends of the lame man tore the roof off of the house and lowered him down to Jesus. They might have been standing outside the house grave when Lazurus came walking out. What things has he done for you? Do you have a memory of a time when you couldn’t see the light and he showed up for you in a mighty way? Make a list of things that he has done in your life and spend time praising the Lord. We have included some worship songs for your time in worship.
Today seems like such a wonderful day, but keep in mind what’s to come later this week. Prepare your heart as we focus on Jesus each day this week.
Songs of worship and reflection
Do It Again | Live | Elevation Worship
Brooke Ligertwood – A Thousand Hallelujahs (Lyric Video)
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