Triumphal Entry

 March 28th, 2021

Devotional

“Triumphal Entry” - Luke 19: 29-44

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Monday: “The Lord Needs It” - Luke 19: 29-31

The disciples up to this point have had some pretty interesting experiences with Jesus. They have seen the dead raised life. People have been healed. He has been at the center of controversy with religious leaders whom they had been taught to respect. But now Jesus is sending them to do errands that make no sense.

Yet, even as Jesus is telling them exactly what is to place, and perhaps they scratched their heads in wonder, they did go and do as Jesus said. While the Gospel of Luke does not mention the words of the prophet Zechariah, maybe they were still playing through the disciples heads as they went that day. It’s not every day that you are asked to go and untie a strangers colt. 

As I was reading this week’s passage the though kept coming to mind - what is the oddest thing that Jesus has ever asked me to do and how did I respond? The truth is Jesus will all ask us to do things that do not make sense to us from human standards but make perfect sense in Kingdom time and standards where “the Lord needs it.”

what is the oddest thing that Jesus has ever asked you to do and how did you respond?

Prayer: God, we can get so caught up in our heads. We try to reason everything out instead of simply doing as you say at times. Lord, teach us to trust in you, your ways, and your Kingdom, so that we can go wherever you may send us. Amen. 

Tuesday: “Untying” - Luke 19: 32-34

If I had to craft a label for today’s passage I think I would have to go with “Grand Theft Colt.” Because it the eyes of the man whose colt was being untied, thats exactly what was happening. Here are these men coming and untying his colt! What would he have thought other than they were stealing it?

Yet, he asks a simple question, “why are you untying the colt?” 

Why?

Such a beautiful question full of grace. Often we think of the question ‘why?’ Being relegated to young children, who can ask it over and over again in one day. But really it is a question of wonder and curiosity, that ultimately led to the colt being lent for Jesus.

Where can we reclaim this sense of wonder and curiosity in our world today? And what may Jesus be inviting us to through it?

What causes you to ask the question ‘why?’ In a way that opens you up to transformation?

Prayer: Lord, we know that there are many things that we do not understand. Yet, in our lack of understanding is sometimes the possibility to encounter your love, mercy, and grace in new ways. Open up our eyes and hearts this day to recognize your Spirit moving amongst us. Amen. 

Wednesday: “Cloaks” - Luke 19: 35-36

Each of the Gospels tells the story of the entry into Jesus into Jerusalem on what has become know as Palm Sunday a bit differently. In Luke’s account, there aren’t actually palms being waved, but there are cloaks. And shouting. And other signs of respect.

The disciples piled their cloaks onto Jesus so he wouldn’t have to sit upon the colt. The people threw down their cloaks as a sign of respect so the colt’s hoof wouldn’t even need to touch the road.

We may not be throwing down our coats today, but I wonder what ways we make the way for Jesus to speak to our hearts. What ways to do show Jesus signs of respect by our openness to him and obedience to his leading in our lives?

What are some ways that you show respect to Jesus?

Prayer: Lord, while the disciples and crowds honored you in a particular way in this passage, you are not just worthy of honor and praise on this particular day. Instead, we are to always lift high your name. Show us how to do so in the coming days, all for your glory and honor alone, we pray. Amen. 

Thursday: “Blessed” - Luke 19: 37-39

The crowds start joining in reciting one of the most triumphal psalms, words that we still say today as we approach the communion table. And the Pharisees aren’t having it.

We like to pretend that Palm Sunday is this beautiful, albeit somewhat neutral day of celebration of Jesus, but really it was a radical act. Jesus knew that what he was doing had the potential to ruffle some feathers and get him in trouble, which is of course what happened. 

And this discomfort that the Pharisees were voicing, would soon become the shouts of the crowd by tomorrow to “crucify him!” For while the crowds are currently crying this psalm of blessing and peace, they want it on their own terms.

We, too, can experience disappointment when we only want Jesus to act in the ways that we find acceptable. Yet, when we try to put our expectations on Jesus we miss the radical gifts that he is trying to offer us.

How do you make sense of the crowd turning away from Jesus in just a few short days?

Prayer: Lord, we confess that we are a fickle people. We get caught up in our own wants and desires, and look for them to be met, instead of looking to you to provide what we truly need. Forgive us, O Lord. Set our paths right again, we pray. Amen. 

Friday: “Cry Out” - Luke 19: 40-44

While the Pharisees may be upset about this particular psalm being used to greet Jesus, Jesus responds to their disdain with words from another psalm, about even the rocks crying out.

For Luke, the crowds may be trying to silence Jesus’s voice, because they think that they can do that from one human being to another. But the truth is, they cannot silence Christ, who rules the heavens and the earth, for they cannot silence God. 

Even when people do not understand and area not receptive to the word of God through Christ, God still reigns and cannot be stopped or silenced.

When has someone tried to silence you and how did you respond?

Prayer: Lord, let our hearts cry out to you! Do not let our praise be silenced, but let it echo throughout the cosmos! Amen1

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “Resurrection of Our Lord” - Luke 24:1-12