Remembering God’s Passion
Week Starting Sunday, March 20, 2005
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Luke 19:28-44
"28 After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. 29 As they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. 30 'Go into that village over there,' he told them, 'and as you enter it, you will see a colt tied there that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, 'The Lord needs it.' 30 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?' 34 And the disciples simply replied, 'The Lord needs it.' So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. 36 Then the crowds spread their coats on the road ahead of Jesus. 37 As they reached the place where the road started down from the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracle they had seen. 38 'Bless the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in highest heaven!' 39 But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, 'Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!' 40 He replied, 'If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!'"
"41 But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to cry. 42 'I wish that even today you would find the way of peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from you. 43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you. 44 They will crush you to the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you have rejected the opportunity God offered you.'"
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Dear Jesus, Hosanna! You have indeed saved me from my sins. You have given me eternal life because of Your sacrifice for me. I praise You for giving me peace with God. I love You will all of my being. I Praise Your name. . . amen. |
Monday |
Dear Heavenly Father, You alone are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory! May my life be one that truly worships You. I ask that You would be glorified in and through me this day. In Jesus name I ask this . . . amen. |
Tuesday |
Dear Jesus, You are the true Messiah of Israel. Though the people missed You when you came to them, I do not want to be one who misses You. Help me to see You as You really are. You are my King! In Your name I declare this . . . amen. |
Wednesday |
Dear Jesus, When You entered Jerusalem that Palm Sunday You humbly came in upon a colt, one day You will return on a white horse! When that day comes, I want to be ready for You. Let my life glorify You and let others know that You are my Savior. I ask this in Your name. . . amen. |
Thursday |
Dear Lord, I thank You for this day that You have given to me. Help me to live my life in such a way that Your light may shine brightly through me. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You. I Jesus' name. . . amen. |
Friday |
Dear Jesus, You are so Holy. There is none like you! Help me not to miss what You want to do in my life this day. I do not want to miss the most important thing I am called to do -- to worship You. Grant me the grace to see You today . . . amen. |
Saturday |
Dear God, I do not want to simply worship You with my mouth, but I want to worship You with my heart. I want to be part of the crowd in Heaven that will one day gather around Your throne and sing praise. May my life be a pleasing sacrifice to You this day. In Jesus name I pray. . . amen. |
Background on the Text
Before Jesus had made his triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem, he shared the parable of the "Ten Minas" (Luke 19:11-27) -- which says that the people "hated him and sent a delegation after him to say they did not want him to be their king" (vs14). This parable sets the backdrop for Jesus' entry into the city -- a people who proclaimed with their lips that He is king, but really did not grasp it with their hearts. On Palm Sunday the people proclaimed "Hosanna" and within the week they shouted "Crucify Him!" Jesus tears in verse 41 were not for his own fate, having to endure the cross, but rather for the fate of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Within 40 years of Jesus' triumphal entry, God would judge Jerusalem for rejecting His Son by allowing the Romans to destroy the city in 70A.D. This is why Jesus speaks of their enemies "not leaving one stone in place" (vs 44). Jesus' tears are for people who willingly reject Him. They had all the outward signs of worshipping Jesus as the Messiah, but really missed the inward sings.
Only two times in the New Testament are "palm branches" mentioned. The first is in reference to the crowd at Jesus' triumphal entry (Jn. 12:12-13), and the second in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 7:9-10 it says that a crowd from every nation, tribe, and tongue worshipped the Lamb before the throne with "palm branches" The first crowd worship simply with branches and no "fruit," the second group (in heaven) worship with both branches and the "fruit of their lives." The first group got it wrong, the second group got it right. They will not simply worship God with their mouth, they will have worshipped God with their entire life. Which crowd are you going to be in?
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts