Daily Bible Reading – April 2023 God’s Saving Word: HopeSample

April 2

Introduction

Jesus enters Jerusalem, riding on a humble donkey, to the cheers of the crowd. Then he enters the Temple, drives out the moneychangers, and heals people. In so doing, he angers the religious leaders. Today’s reading concludes with Jesus cursing a fig tree to symbolize God’s wrath against those who oppose Jesus’s teachings. (See Jeremiah 8:12-13 in which a withered fig tree symbolizes God’s judgment.)

Scripture Reading

Matthew 21:1-22

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 21:9b

“Praise to David’s Son! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise be to God!”

Reflect

Why do Jesus’s actions pose a threat to the status quo of the temple community? How do his actions demonstrate the coming of God’s Kingdom and restoration of true worship? Has a situation ever occurred in your community of faith that threatened the status quo? What was the outcome?

Pray

Loving God, be present in our communities of faith as we honor and worship you. Praise be to you, Lord God!In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Matthew 21:23-46: Jesus tells two stories about who will enter the Kingdom of God.