Slices
Prepare
As you read this familiar story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, ask God to speak to you afresh.
Bible passage
Jesus comes to Jerusalem as king
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
‘Hosanna!’
‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’
‘Blessed is the king of Israel!’
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written:
15 ‘Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey’s colt.’
16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realise that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.
17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, ‘See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!’
Explore
Although the narrative of the raising of Lazarus is over, John shows us how it continues to have a ripple effect, inspiring some (vs 17,18) and infuriating others (v 19). The nature of that miracle has both similarities and differences to the event we read of today – the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Both events are public, attracting large crowds and strong reactions. Both have Jesus at the centre of the action, and both reveal aspects of who Jesus is.
Yet while the raising of Lazarus shows Jesus’ power, the arrival into Jerusalem shows us his humility. He comes into the great city of David not riding on a horse or lifted high on a carriage, but sat on the back of a ‘young donkey’ (vs 14,15). The great King of kings, the incarnate Son of God rides humbly on a donkey. This is the kingship of Jesus in one simple image.
John is slowly revealing to us who Jesus is. He’s one who, yes, heals the blind and raises the dead, but he is also one who weeps with the grieving and rides on donkeys. What a God we serve and follow! Strength and simplicity; power and humility.
Respond
Take time to worship and thank Jesus for his profound humility. Ask him to show you areas of your life where humility has not yet taken root.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 27,28; Philemon 1
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for wisdom and guidance for Sian Ifan, Support Worker for SU Wales, as she supports the Wales team. Join her in giving thanks for those with whom she communicates through SU and pray that God will continue to encourage her in her work.
