Today’s scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Penny Dean):
A few days ago, my mom asked me to go to the store for her for a couple of items. When I returned, she said, “That’s not what I wanted! You didn’t listen to me!”
In my defense, I got the generic equivalent of Extra Strength Tylenol and a larger size case of soda. So it was what she asked for — just not in the form she requested. In Matthew 21, however, the disciples, unlike me, actually did as Jesus told them — and without any questioning or bickering.
While still in Bethphage, Jesus clearly told two disciples to go into the next village, untie a donkey and her colt, and “bring them to me. If anyone asks what you’re doing, say ‘The Master needs them’… The disciples went and did exactly what Jesus told them to do.” (The Message, verses 3-6) Jesus then rode into Jerusalem on the donkey while onlookers threw down branches into the road “as a welcome mat.” (The Message, verse 8). This event became the inspiration for Palm Sunday.
Up to this point, the disciples have been portrayed as thick, uncomprehending, and doubtful. They wondered at Jesus’ feeding scores of people, healing diseases, and raising the dead. But perhaps after Jesus predicted his imminent death for the third time (chapter 20), they realized their time with him was growing short. Or maybe they, like Peter in Matthew 16:16, had become convinced that Jesus really was the Messiah and, therefore, they should obey him.
Then again, obedience should be easier when one is given clear directions. Jesus gave them a set of instructions: do step one, then step two, and then step three. Getting along with my elderly mother is certainly easier when I follow her directions to the letter! But sometimes, like I did last week, we attempt to improve upon the directions we receive. For example, God is poking at me to do something that scares me, although it’s probably for my own good. As a result, I keep thinking of reasons to postpone the inevitable: it’s not a good time, the economy is bad, or “then what, God?” If I knew the “then what”, would I be able to act?
The disciples knew the “then what” and bravely followed Jesus’ instructions anyway. They had to have been scared and worried, but they acted — and acted in spite of their fears. Although they were probably focused on Jesus’ impending death, their actions led to his resurrection and the establishment of a new faith that now spans the globe.
Thought for the day: Is God speaking clearly to you about something? Can you do it in spite of whatever might happen next?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.