DAY 1 - APR 2

PREPARATION

For one minute, take deep breaths and stay silent. Breathe out the cares of the day upon the Lord. Breathe in the peace of God.

PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, 

You are holy and above all,

Bring your kingdom in me, through me, and around me today,

May your good will come today just like heaven,

Give me simply what I need for today,

Forgive my sins as I forgive those who have sinned against me,

Lead me away from temptation and protect me from the evil one,

To you alone receive the power, glory, and honor forever. Amen. 

SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 20:29-21:11

COMMENTARY

We begin this Holy Week with Jesus’ triumphal journey towards Jerusalem. Prior to his entry into Jerusalem, Jesus shared with his disciples that this would be the place the religious leaders would condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be killed, but he would raise to life three days later (Matthew 20:17-19). As Jesus and his followers made their way to Jerusalem, they were interrupted by two blind men who cried out, “Son of David.” These men knew the covenant God made with David to provide a descendent king whose kingdom would be everlasting (2 Samuel 7:16). They connected Jesus’ ministry of healing, casting out demons, and proclaiming the kingdom of God with his fulfillment as the coming King. Jesus was a king who did not mind being interrupted, stooping down to the outcast, and healing physically as well as spiritually.

After Jesus heals the two men, we see another crowd that acknowledges Jesus as the “Son of David.” The crowd that celebrated Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem with palm branches and cloaks also thought Jesus to be the coming King. With that being said, they were expecting a conquering warrior who would lift the Jews out of their oppression from Rome. Instead, Jesus came on a colt, a sign of royalty, while also fulfilling the prophecy of a lowly, humble king who would soon lay his life down for his people (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus would lift oppression, but it would be a spiritual deliverance from the powers and authorities of the spiritual realm. He may not have been the “Son of David” that the crowd was hoping for, but he was the King they needed.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

- Inward: Do you have any misconceptions about Jesus? In what way is Jesus inviting you today to know him more deeply? 

- Outward: Is there someone you can pray for today that is struggling to have an accurate understanding of who Jesus is?

KIDS REFLECTION QUESTIONS

- What does a king look like?

- In what ways is Jesus a king?

PROMISE
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” – Zechariah 9:9

PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for your love for me today.

May I receive your love as I go about my daily tasks.

May I submit to your kingship as I walk in your kingdom.

May I be filled with your Spirit as I follow you.

May your kingdom come and will be done in my life today.