Luke 19:28-40
28-31After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem. When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says anything, asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘His Master needs him.’”
32-33The two left and found it just as he said. As they were untying the colt, its owners said, “What are you doing untying the colt?”
34They said, “His Master needs him.”
35-36They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street.
37-38Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed:
Blessed is he who comes,
the king in God’s name!
All’s well in heaven!
Glory in the high places!
39Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!”
40But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”
(The Message 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 Eugene H. Peterson by NavPress Publishing)
Ever been super excited about something? Not just a little pumped, but hand-shaking, heart-pumping can’t-sleep the night before excited.
On this day in the story of the Kingdom of God that Jesus came to establish the disciples and the crowds were excited like that. They can’t contain themselves. They have to shout, dance, clap, high-five one another, and look around at others and at Jesus with wide-eyed wonder. Keep this scene in the back of your mind as you go through the week. Especially on Friday and Saturday. You’ll need it.
But for now, just join the party! Catch the enthusiasm and wonder of this band of Jesus followers. If you don’t know the rest of the story, follow along with us. If you do know the story, let Jesus capture your heart with His love. Love like His calls for songs of loudest praise!
dave aucremann 