READING: Mark 14:3-9, Matthew 26:6-13, John 12:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:12-19, Luke 19:41-44, John 12:20-36
This was a time of celebration among the crowds, casting their garments and palm leaves before Jesus. We also know, though—because we know the rest of the story— it was a solemn time as well. Yes, the crowds cried out, “Hosanna,” but Jesus would announce judgment on Jerusalem. Arrest would happen. Crucifixion would turn the sky dark.*
As they approached Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives (a place associated with coming judgment at the hand of the Lord in Zechariah 14), Jesus sent two unnamed disciples into the village to secure a colt—a donkey, according to the Gospels of Matthew and John—for the journey into Jerusalem. He gave them details of precisely what would happen. They would find a donkey there tied up (probably a bit unusual in a place where animals more likely ran loose). And, if anyone were to ask, “Why are you taking the donkey? Why are you doing this?,” they were to just say, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here right away.”
When they arrived, all was exactly as Jesus had said it would be. They did find a donkey there tied by a door. Someone did ask, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”—just as Jesus had said. So, the disciples responded just as Jesus had told them, and the people let them go with the donkey—exactly what Jesus had said would happen. Though scholars debate whether Jesus had prearranged these or was simply speaking from His foreknowledge, it’s clear that nothing took Him by surprise or happened without His knowledge. He was not a victim when they crucified Him; He was (and is) the Sovereign Son of God who had come to fulfill Genesis 3:15.
Our job today, as with Jesus’ disciples in that day, is simply to do just as Jesus directs us (Matt 21:6).
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much does God’s sovereignty matter to you today?
DAILY PRAYER: “Lord, I praise You that You are fully in charge.”
TOMORROW’S READING: John 12:37-50, Mark 11:12-14, Matthew 21:18-22, Mark 11:15-19, Matthew 21:12-17, Luke 19:45-48, Mark 11:20-33, Matthew 21:23-27, Luke 20:1-8
*Some of this devotion comes from a sermon I preached in 2021.