World English Bible translation
Today's Scripture
When they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 11:2 and said to them, "Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Untie him, and bring him. 11:3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord needs him;' and immediately he will send him back here." They went away, and found a colt tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied him. 11:5 Some of those who stood there asked them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?" 11:6 They said to them just as Jesus had said, and they let them go. They brought the colt to Jesus, and threw their garments on him, and Jesus sat on him. 11:8 Many spread their garments on the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees, and spreading them on the road. 11:9 Those who went in front, and those who followed, cried, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 11:10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Jesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When he had looked around at everything, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.Today's Lesson
In Today’s Scriptures Jesus arrives in Jerusalem. This story is most often referred to as The Triumphant Entry. Jesus had told His disciples that the time had come for them to go to Jerusalem. There He would be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes and would be put to death. On the third day he would rise again. Everything in this gospel and in the life of Jesus culminates in this trip. Finally Jesus arrives in Jerusalem and, for one brief moment, all the glory and acclimation that He was entitled to receive were properly given to Him.
The way in which Jesus enters the city advances the story in several ways. First, many of the details that are included were advanced by the early church to be fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The colt, the palm branches and even the very words that the people shouted along the way are all a fulfillment of prophecy. Second, the acclimation of the people raised concern with the rulers of Jerusalem. They were worried that a popular movement at Passover time would bring the wrath of the Roman Legions down on the city. The Romans increased the size of the security forces during the feasts and they tolerated no political unrest.
But mostly this story establishes a sense of irony on everything that will happen during the Passion Week. Jesus rode into town with shouts of Hosanna! and praise. In just a few days, a crowd will demand His crucifixion. For a brief moment, the Son of God was honored in a fashion that was worthy of who He was. People blessed the name of God because of Jesus and He embodied the hopes and the dreams of the people. They would readily turn on Him when they discovered that the Kingdom He came to establish was different from the one that they envisioned. But, for the moment, they welcomed Him into Jerusalem as a king.
Have you ever experienced an overwhelming impulse to praise God and to welcome His entry into your home? Do you know what it's like to throw open the doors of your life and allow Jesus to enter in triumph?
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