1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:1-11)
For the last five weeks, we have been exploring eleven Spiritual Disciplines through the lens of the theme: A World in Need. Now, as we enter the last week of our 2020 journey (Passion week) we will intensify our focus on Jesus, the one person to have walked the face of the earth and not only completely understood the real needs of the world but made full provision for them.
Today, we consider the pivotal moment of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem at the start of Passion week. Through this triumphal entry, the world is compelled to consider the all-important matter of sovereignty. In His entry, Jesus wasn’t looking for selfish recognition. Instead, He demonstrated that our fundamental need is the spiritual need to give up our false claim to the throne of our life and declare Him as the legitimate sovereign. The world keeps telling God, “we don’t need you as king.” Jesus enters Jerusalem on the back of a donkey and powerfully responds, “yes you do!” This lesson would likely not have been lost on some in the audience because it was reminiscent of what played out when king David had Solomon ride on a mule into Jerusalem to declare him as legitimate successor to the throne (1 Kings 1). David did this in response to the action of one of his other sons. Adonijah attempted to surreptitiously assume the throne but his plans were thwarted and the right king (Solomon) was eventually installed. A similar battle plays out constantly for the throne of our lives.
(Note the validation of the following Disciplines: Bible Study, Worship and Spiritual Warfare).
Please prayerfully read the passage above and answer the questions below.
Questions
- Are you allowing God to reign in all areas of your life?
- How can we more effectively communicate to the world that they need Jesus as king?
April 6, 2020 at 2:04 pm
My goal as a Christian is to be like Christ. I do think I am allowing God to reign in all areas of my life. Unfortunately, I’m not where He wants me to be yet, not because of Him, but because of me, but I am constantly working on me.
If I continue to work on this goal of allowing God to take control of me, I will definitely become more like Christ. The world around me will notice a difference. Many will want the same changes in themselves. However, the only way is if Jesus is ruler (“King”) of their lives also.
April 6, 2020 at 7:56 pm
I am definitely trying.
I am much closer than some Christians who may be able to quote scripture but have no idea how to make their fellow Christians or people feel accepted.
One of the biggest problems humans have is not to practise Inclusion .
It happens from childhood to adulthood and to bible studies too.
No one is above anyone so don’t you think because you can quote scripture you are like Jesus.
To the second question,
” I do not have a clue”
April 6, 2020 at 9:17 pm
I’ve found in recent years that I’m more purposeful in asking God to direct me, rather than making decisions alone. There’s a surrender in allowing God to reign over every area of my life that feels daunting, like I’m relinquishing control. I think that’s a sign that there are still some areas I have to work on. Continuing this work, though, isn’t nearly as uncomfortable as before. I see the countless ways God has blessed me when I allow Him to lead.
As for the second question, I’d like to return back when I have more concrete thoughts.
April 6, 2020 at 10:21 pm
As with many questions in this study, for me they require deep thought. They make me realize that I need a much closer walk with God to know His Word, to know His Will. 1. Are you allowing God to reign in all areas of your life?
I need to always prayerfully seek God’s will for all decisions. Not just for what’ I think may be good for me but always for God’s glory. This is a work in progress.
2. How can we more effectively communicate to the world that they need Jesus as king?
In this I am not sure. I know my actions and words must always be God centered. Again, I dont always achieve this. It is certainly too few when I think of it. I need to have a stronger faith, to realize that God’s Holy Spirit will help me. Also, to think less of my needs, my flaws & insecurities. The verse that asks the question, ‘what is man that you are mindful of him’, comes to mind.
April 6, 2020 at 10:52 pm
I must say, I am allowing God to reign in all areas of my life, or else I will not be certain if I really have a relationship with my creator, my rock and my salvation. I may falter at times or may not be perfectly “the obedient” child , He always wants me to be , but I am trying each day to obey and glorify Him in my word and action. I sincerely talk to him in prayer and ask forgiveness for all my shortcomings. Most of all, I completely trust Him my life. The only way I can communicate to others that they need Jesus as King, is for them to see how I truly offer my all in God. By continually praying for others, serving them by doing with all my heart the obligations/ responsibilities God gave me, without complaining and by being joyful despite the hurdles or challenges along the way. I think
The Lord wants me to make people know especially the ones who don’t know Him that I am victorious in my journey here on earth, because of the one controlling my life and my purpose and that is Jesus Christ who saved me, gave me life and has promised to be with me all the days of my life. I want others to see that it is indeed a privileged to be a child of God and his mercy and grace is overflowing in my life. Being cheerful giver in God’s ministry and just letting Him do what is best for me is something that my Lord wants me to focus. His path is clear for me to follow and that is more than enough…it is my joy to live for my creator and God, Jesus Christ.
April 7, 2020 at 5:44 am
I do try. One way to move is asking the ‘What would Jesus do?’ or Is this pleasing to God. Sometimes not and we must backtrack and correct asking forgiveness. We are all human and sinners. Very Imperfect.
Praising and making reference to our Lord in daily matters to anyone is helping to communicate the word , I hope and pray. Too many people think that all they have is of their own making, not true , it would be of benefit if we knew in each circumstance how to explain or communicate Gods working, towards their ‘greatness’. We know it is not all our doing.