A City Stirred - March 23 Readings: Matthew 21, An Offer Refused

The Story of the Bible from Creation to the Cross to Eternal Glory

In 72 daily readings, we will examine the overall story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, seeking to get the big picture of God's work through Jesus Christ in this sinful world.

Today's Reading:  Matthew 21

Through the Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 23-24, Luke 1:26–38, Psalm 37:29–35, Proverbs 9:1-3  

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Context 

It had been over 500 years since the prophet Zechariah had delivered his prophecy that the king would come riding in humility into Jerusalem on a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9) Now, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy, riding into the city on a donkey with crowds lining the path and crying out "Hosanna. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

Israel's king had come, offering himself to the people of Israel, but Israel's response was not welcoming. Matthew 21 is actually part of a larger section that goes through chapter 23. In it, Jesus cleanses the Temple, curses the fig tree, battles the Pharisees, and gives a lament over Jerusalem. Listen to that lament.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 38 See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”Matthew 23:37-39

Look at that closing phrase. When Jesus entered the city, they chanted, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." But it became clear that Jerusalem was rejecting its king and would not accept him - right up to the fateful moment they chose Barabbas and he was sentenced to die. Here, Jesus says they will not see him again until the city says what was said by those who accompanied him on the way in - "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." Same phrase. They rejected him and that must one day be corrected. 

We look for that day when Israel will embrace its king, when Jesus will find an enthusiastic reception in Israel and, as Romans 11 says, "All Israel will be saved." But that awaits a future date. Jesus was rejected, died, rose, and established a church to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. 

Devotional: A City Stirred 

Jerusalem was a large city, but this had everyone talking. Something big was happening and people were wondering what was going on. The crowd came over the rise on the Mt. of Olives and was walking down the steep hill toward the gate to enter the city. One man was on a donkey while the rest of the crowd was chanting, "Hosanna. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." As the crowd approached the city it is likely that others joined the group. People were laying palms and placing their cloaks before the path of the animal with the rider.

Who is that and what is going on?

The praise and worship of the disciples of Jesus Christ stirred up the entire city. Can you imagine? The hottest news in town was the worship of the people of God? Not a protest or press conference. Just praise. The loud and raucous praise of Jesus Christ swelled up to the point where everyone in Jerusalem was drawn to inquire.

And they responded by declaring that it was Jesus of Nazareth entering Jerusalem. They proclaimed Jesus. Yes, it's a stretch to call that evangelism - these people thought Jesus was coming into Jerusalem to take the reins of government not to lay down his life to establish the invisible Kingdom of God. But they praised Jesus and then they proclaimed Jesus.

Wouldn't it be great if our lives were so filled with joy and praise that people would be drawn to inquire, "What is going on here?" Wouldn't it be great if there was such joy, such spiritual power, such an evident sense of the presence and power of God at our worship services that people were drawn toward Jesus?

Our lives are meant to be the primary advertisement for the gospel. People should see Jesus in us, displaying his power through us and be drawn to Christ. "I want what you have." That is why we must seek Christ, be renewed, and purified. Jesus' glory must shine through us.

Father, may the light of Christ shine through me. May his joy bubble up through me. May I be holy as you are holy. May the world see you through me and be drawn to you. 

Think and Pray:

Does your life shout Jesus to the world?
When people take a long hard look at you, are they attracted to Jesus or do they see the works of the flesh?