JUNE 22, Matthew 21:8-11

Today we read of Jesus’entry into Jerusalem in His last week of human existence. The crowds were excited and happy as they flocked to see him. Many would have heard of how Jesus could perform miracles and surely they wanted to see for themselves this man! The Bible tells us a “very great multitude” came, so we are talking about very many people who gathered along the way, eagerly anticipating a glimpse of this miracle-worker Jesus. Jesus was the right king, for He alone is the Lord of lords and Creator of the universe. However, many did it for the wrong intentions.

Many thought, like the Mrs Zebedee we read about yesterday, that Jesus could offer them freedom from the Romans and continue to provide them with miracles of food and healing. They must have thought, “How useful would such a king be, able to free us from the hated Romans and poverty and illnesses!” That is also why in a few days’ time after Jesus was betrayed by Judas, many of the same people who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem quickly turned and condemned Jesus, wanting to see him crucified! What a drastic and quick change of mind? How did it happen? Because with wrong understanding and intentions, they were not able to realize the truth that Jesus was teaching.

At the gates of Jerusalem, they were shouting the right things – “Hosanna to the Son of David, Hosanna in the Highest!” But although they were saying the right things, they were not able to understand that Jesus came to save them from sins, not from the Romans or from poverty. Dear child, how about you? Do you understand what you say and pray? Do you understand that Jesus came to save us from our sins, not from that nasty neighbour, or failing grades, or an inconsiderate brother. 

If you seek to understand more of what Jesus came to do for you and like help, talk to your Sunday School teacher or Christian parents who may be able to guide you further. Don’t be like the crowds at Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem, saying the right things but not fully understanding them.

Thought: May I understand more of God’s Word and will.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know at times I don’t fully understand the Bible or some of the songs we sing in church. Please help me to think more deeply about spiritual things, to be more serious about the Bible and my spiritual life. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen