Holy Week DevotionalSample

You know what's super awesome about Jesus? Everything he did was intentional. His birth was intentional (He was born as a baby to be closer to us), and that continued into His ministry, death, and resurrection. As we read this week, look for moments where we can see God’s character and His intentionality with us.

A big characteristic of Jesus is that he's omniscient (knowing everything!) So we believe that He knew what was waiting for him once He entered Jerusalem (his death), so the significance of him arriving for Passover can’t be missed! Passover is the celebration of the moment in Jewish history when death visited every home in Egypt, and the only way to be saved from death was to sacrifice a lamb and put its blood on the door. This way, when death came by the house he would “pass over” the home. For us (thousands of years after Jesus’ life), we recognize Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for our lives. Knowing that, I still wonder: if He knew going into the city would start the events leading to his death - why in the world would he enter Jerusalem?!

Now Jesus doesn’t orchestrate a big parade or ride in on an elephant to announce his arrival. He comes in on the most humble of animals, a donkey. And as he entered Jerusalem (now we call it the Triumphal Entry), imagine the crowds! The people had been hearing all about Jesus, it’s like he was a celebrity! But to their surprise, he shows up on a donkey. Donkey’s aren't beautiful, or strong, or fast. They're nothing to celebrate or get excited over, actually most of the time they are overlooked. But it's amazing that a donkey is who Jesus chose. And that is amazing news for us today! With all the people in the world, Jesus still chooses YOU for his great purpose and plan. Remind yourself, “If God can use a donkey, he can use me.” The donkey was nothing special, he was just obedient, and that made him special. It’s not about you or what you can do, it’s about who He is and what He can do through you.

Today as you pray: Ask God: “What are you calling me to today?” Just make the commitment to God that you’re available, and be ready to see all He can do.