Matthew 21:1–11 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 21:1–11 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 21When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, Verse 2saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. Verse 3If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately." Verse 4This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, Verse 5"Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Verse 6The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; Verse 7they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. Verse 8A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Verse 9The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" Verse 10When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" Verse 11The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."
Devotion
As I pause for devotions today, or maybe because of the preparations made in today’s readings, I am drawn to all that needs to be completed this week and next. I am a worship leader, and the anticipation that energizes the preparations can be overshadowed by the many tasks required for the upcoming observance of Holy Week. In today’s passage, it is in the mundane requirement of arranging the means of transportation that a single instruction is highlighted: “The Lord needs them.”
What happens to our plans if we pause to confirm whether or not the Lord has need of all we are doing? From our worship to our work, do our preparations reflect what the Lord requires? In our fellowship and our festivities, are we responding to what God has asked of God’s people? When we are obedient, the opportunity we are afforded brings others to join in the praise: Jesus is Lord!
Prayer
Hosanna in the highest! Lord, remind me once more of what you require of me. Propel me to action with the anticipation to see your will done. Amen.