Theme – Jesus’ Anticipated Arrival

Verse – John 12:13, “So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

The scene must have been exnihilating and confusing at the same time. The crowds gathered to welcome a conquering hero. This was the customary welcome for a military leader who had secured a victory on behalf of the people. They would gather to congratulate the victor and celebrate the victory. The military leader would ride in on his large white horse looking regal and impressive. But here was Jesus riding in on a donkey, humbly and unimpressive. Yet, there was something about Him. Jesus had a purpose and mission about Him. He was headed somewhere. He had something to do. The people were shouting a victorious message. But Jesus’ victory was still to be won. The people had heard of Jesus’ miracles and how H had raised Lazarus from the dead. Thy were hoping and expecting Him to overthrow the Romans. They would soon turn on Jesus because He did not meet their expectations. Jesus’ mission was so much higher and more important that thy could ever imagine. His victory was not just for them; it was for all humanity.

Prayer for today

Dear Lord, thank you for Jesus. Thank you that Hs mission was not just to please the people. Thank you for a Savior who took my place, paid my price, saved my soul. Forgive me when my expectations of You do not align with Your mission for me. Change my heart to love like You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Theme – Celebrate the King!

Verse – Luke 19:37b-38, The whole multitude of His disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice…saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

If you joined us yesterday for our devotion, you will remember that Jesus stopped and wept over Jerusalem on His descent from the Mount of Olives. He had a perfect view of the Temple and the surrounding area of the city from His vantage point. Our passage today takes us just a few minutes later when the despair of disbelief gave way to a glorious celebration. Jesus made His way to the bottom of the Mount of Olives and across the Kidron Valley. As He drew near the path leading up to the gate of the city, they recognized Him as the One who raised Lazarus from the dead. They started to get louder and louder and lined the street to see Him. They got palm branches and laid them out in the road and started to cheer for Jesus. The Pharisees were annoyed and commanded Jesus to make them stop. But they would not. They were there to celebrate. Followers of Christ should remember that we have much to celebrate in Jesus. Today, stop and have a celebration moment for the King!

Prayer for Today –

Dear Lord, with all of the pain, brokenness, and uncertainty in the world today, sometimes I find it difficult to celebrate. It is sometimes difficult to live above the despair and discouragement. Help me Lord to focus on You and not on the world. Help me to remember the victory that is found in You. Thank you for overcoming sin and death. Thank you for allowing me to share in Your victory, by faith. Lord, you are worthy to be praised, celebrated! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Theme – Weeping Over Jerusalem

Verse – Luke 19:41, “And when He drew near and saw the city, he wept over it.”

Jesus was a man of compassion, concern, and care. This is the second time in just a few days that the Gospels record Jesus weeping. John 11:35 records Jesus emotional response as He stood before the tomb of His friend, Lazarus. He then raised Lazarus from the dead. As he descends the Mount of Olives on the day of His triumphal entry, Jesus stops and weeps over Jerusalem or more precisely, the people of Jerusalem. Lazarus was dead physically; they are dead spiritually. They will reject Jesus as the Messiah. They will reject His attempt to bring them into new life. Jesus’ compassion for the lost was evident on that descent. It is still evident today. A question to ask ourselves today – Do we weep over the lostness of our city?

Prayer for today

Dear Lord,

Theme – Up to Jerusalem

Verse – Matthew 20:18, ““Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death,

Dear Lord,

Theme – The Coming Days

Verse – Jeremiah 23:5, “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.” 

This messianic prophecy from the prophet Jeremiah is a promise from God that although many leaders or shepherds are corrupt and only out for selfish gain, there is One who is coming that will rule in righteousness and justice. The Israelites had been led astray by their leaders and were going to suffer severe hardship and separation from the promised land. But God, at the appointed time would bring back His flock into the promised land and provide a righteous Branch, or offspring, of David to reign as King. When the Messiah comes, the people will be treated fairly and led well. They will not have to worry about injustice and unrighteousness from their leaders ever again. 

What a fantastic message of hope for us today. It seems righteous leadership in our world today is very hard to find. Fortunately, for those of us who have a relationship with our Lord Jesus, we follow a Righteous Shepherd. We never have to worry about being led astray or experiencing injustice at His hand. Praise God for the Messiah, the Righteous Branch of David. 

Dear Lord, 

We recognize that many have gone astray from Your Word and ways resulting in injustice and unrighteousness in our community, country, and world. Remind our hearts today that we follow a Righteous Savior who is trustworthy and true. Help us to be righteous as we follow the Righteous Branch. In Jesus Name, Amen.