Lion + LambShembull

Prayer: Jesus, we need You now!  With all the challenges we are facing today, we ask that You come and meet us in our time of need.  You are the King we need and the only one in whom we can hope.  Help me to draw near to You and please bring healing to our world.

The Lion’s Peace 

The Roman road from Jericho to Jerusalem is roughly 17 miles and climbs 3,000 feet of elevation.  Jesus traveled to Jerusalem many times throughout His life.  As a boy, He tried to stay near the temple while his parents traveled home north to Nazareth.  But this journey up the rocky road is different.  Jesus is nearing the end of this earthly mission.  He turns to His disciples and gives them instructions ... the end begins.  “Bring me a donkey,” Jesus says,  “Here’s how to find it, it shouldn’t be a problem.”  Every movement from Jesus makes is perfectly choreographed, like a beautiful, yet tragic dance.  

The donkey was a symbol of peace.  The Jewish people hoped the Messiah would come riding on a victorious steed, yet Jesus rides on a young donkey. Zechariah 9.9 pointed to this moment!  The King is coming!  The fervor of excitement stirs.  The people hoped Jesus would clearly present Himself as the King.  They run to the road and begin to chant “Hosanna to the Son of David!”  In Hebrew Hosanna means “Lord, Save us!”  They call to the King!  They lay palm branches down, like waving an American flag.  The people are ready, but not for this King.  Jesus has not come for military conquest, he has come to bring peace.  Peace with God that will require the ultimate sacrifice.  He immediately enters the temple and overturns tables of moneychangers who were polluting the worship of God.  He heals the blind and the lame, allowing them to enter and worship the Lord.  The end begins.  He is the King who came to die so many can live in peace with God.

Look in the Word: 

1. Look at Matthew 21:1-5.  What is significant about Jesus riding in on a donkey?
2. Look at Matthew 21:6-11.  What did the people expect Jesus to do when he entered the city?
3. Jesus turns over the tables to drive people to prayer.  Do you have things in your life that Jesus would point to and say, “this is stopping you from fully engaging God in worship?”

What’s Next? (Sample Application Questions)

1. Why did the people misunderstand what Jesus was coming to do?  Are there things today that you wish Jesus would do, and find yourself frustrated that he is not doing them?
2. If Jesus was cleaning out the temple of your life, what would he desire to “overturn?”  How would you respond if he did?
3. Jesus came to bring peace with God.  That is what we most need, but it is not always what we most want.  Spend some time confessing to God what you “want Him to do,” then thank Him for what He is currently doing.