Here Comes Jesus!

Matthew 21:1-11 (NLT)

Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

21 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. ² “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. ³ If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

⁴ This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,

⁵ “Tell the people of Jerusalem,
    ‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey—
    riding on a donkey’s colt.’”

⁶ The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. ⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.

⁸ Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God for the Son of David!
    Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
    Praise God in highest heaven!”

¹⁰ The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.

¹¹ And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Today, many pastors around the world will stand and proclaim this familiar Palm Sunday passage. I wonder how many different lessons can be gleaned from these 11 verses. Here are two things the Holy Spirit has shown me: First, all the disciples had to say to the man who owned the donkey and the colt was "the Lord needs them" and the man would immediately let Jesus' followers take possession of the animals. I want to be quick to hand over my time, my talents, and my tokens when Jesus asks for them. He certainly has every right to my day, my dance, and my dollar for He is the one who gave them to me. Second, the crowd created such a ruckus with their praise and carrying on over Jesus that the entire city paid attention. I desire for my praise to point others to Him, too. How about you? What stands out to you from these verses? Will you share your gleanings with us?  May you have a blessed Palm Sunday!
Father, Help me to be quick to return to Your service the things You have blessed me with and fill me with Your praise so that as I make much of You, others will be drawn to Jesus!