Simple Instructions

by John Madge

“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.’ This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: ‘Say to Daughter Zion, “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.”—Matthew 21:1–7 (NIV)

Jesus’ instructions in today’s passage of Scripture answers all of the most frequently asked questions: who, what, when, where, and why.

Who: “Jesus sent two disciples” and “If anyone says anything to you, say . . .”

What: “You will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.”

When: “And at once you will find . . .”

Where: “Go to the village ahead of you . . .”

Why: “Say that the Lord needs them . . .”

If you’re like me, maybe you’re wondering, “Does Jesus always give such clear and specific instructions to His disciples?” But perhaps the question should be, “Do I always demonstrate simple obedience and faith to His instructions for me?”

In all transparency, I often overthink and have a way of quickly and easily complicating a simple set of instructions. My thoughts go something like this: “That was too easy, there must be more.” Or, “I know that God said this, but maybe there was an implied meaning.” Maybe you can relate.

Another thing I’m guilty of is flat-out disobedience. I know what He desires, but I act in my own self-interest and understanding. In my wickedness, I’ll cover both cases by complaining, “I wish God spoke clearly and specifically.”

I mentioned that Jesus’ instructions cover our most frequently asked questions, and I’d like to submit to you that the entirety of Scripture does the same for our lives. So, if you can identify with any of what I mentioned above, then I hope that these Scriptures (not an exhaustive list) will encourage you.

Who: Jesus is speaking to “whoever has ears” (Matthew 11:15 NIV)

What: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”—Micah 6:8 (NIV)

When: “Now is the day of salvation.”—2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)

Where: “I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”—Revelation 7:9 (NIV)

How: Read Acts 2:14–41. Peter filled with the Holy Spirit perfectly explains the “what” of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Why: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”—John 3:16 (NIV)

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) assures us that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” So, we don’t have to guess at His instructions for our lives and His intentions towards us. When I begin to worry and search for understanding, I can remind myself that His Word answers my most pressing questions.

Pause: Consider the eternal and unchanging nature of Jesus.

Practice: When you’re waiting upon specific answers or direction from the Lord, remind yourself of how His Word answers the most frequently asked questions.

Pray: Jesus I thank You that Your Word answers all my most pressing questions and that I can trust Your instructions because You’re always good and You never change. Amen.