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"Saying to them, 'Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.'"
(Matthew 21:2)
Holy Week started yesterday in many churches all over the world. This week is unlike any other. Every year, followers of Jesus focus intently on the core doctrines of our faith, or as one theologian put it, "the heartbeat of Christianity." The life-changing, calendar-altering, awesome events we are commemorating are the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Here at our church in Austin, TX, we are filled with excitement and anticipation of God meeting us in a special way during this season.
Yesterday, April 13, was Palm Sunday, the day we remember Jesus' triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem. All four Gospel writers include the wonderful scene of Jesus riding into the holy city on the back of a young donkey. The disciples laid down clothing and branches, and some people perhaps even waved them in the air as they sang a song of praise to God. This was the last week of Jesus' life here on earth. Later that week, on Friday, He would die on the cross for the sins of the world, and then He would rise from the dead that Sunday. He went from the praise of the disciples to the harsh treatment of the religious and political leaders and the crowds calling for His crucifixion. He humbled Himself and endured it all so that all who believe in Him can have peace with God and everlasting life in heaven.
Matthew 21:1-11 is a riveting passage that pulsates with life and teaches us so very much about who Jesus is. The theme for our Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday is "Back to Life." I am looking forward to our Good Friday service this Friday at 6:00PM. Of course next Sunday is Easter Sunday, and I am so excited to celebrate Jesus' resurrection!
The city of Jerusalem came to life when Jesus rode in on that donkey. What a scene. Jews from all over the world had come to celebrate Passover later that week. The city was 4-5 times larger than normal with all the worshippers present. Then here came Jesus, surrounded by shouts of praise as He entered the city on a donkey, a symbol of peace, instead of a horse for war. You cannot help but be amazed at Jesus. He is brilliant, loving, powerful, kind, a miracle worker, the Son of God and Son of man, yet He rode not on a stallion but on a lowly donkey. He showed us in this scene and most of all, at the end of this week, that true life involves sacrifice and humility.
To know Jesus is to love Him. He is unlike any person who ever lived.
Tomorrow I will share with you a powerful poem that describes who Jesus is in a profound way. I pray that you have a blessed week as you prepare your heart even today to focus on the acts of God that most profoundly changed our world.
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