Jesus: What He Requires

The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is recorded in all four Gospels because the Holy Spirit does not want us to miss its significance (Mt. 21, Mk.11, Lk. 19 & Jn 12). Jesus and His disciples travel to Bethany and the Mount of Olives (Lk. 19:29). He instructs them to go into the next village where they will find an unbroken colt and they are to bring it to Him (v. 30). They do not question His motives. Should anyone ask what they are doing, they are told to simply say, “The Lord has need of it” (v. 31). The owners have the right to know what the disciples are doing with their livestock. When they ask the disciples they respond accordingly (vv. 33-34).

Because His instructions are followed, the colt is brought to Him. Jesus has a specific purpose and a specific destination. No one has sat upon this colt before Jesus rides him (Lk. 19:30). Although the animal is untamed, when Jesus sits on him he becomes docile. God cannot use what is not broken. Like every disciple, it is only after the colt encounters Jesus that he becomes submissive. The Lord requires no fancy saddle, so the people place their coats on the animal before Jesus is seated. He does not have His disciples roll out a red carpet. He is not headed to a palace but to a cross.

As they walk toward Jerusalem, the crowds spread their garments and place palm branches in His path (Mt. 21:8). He descends the Mount of Olives and the people begin to praise God for the miracles they have seen. This is the only time Jesus allows Himself to be publically worshiped. They proclaim, “Blessed be the King who comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest (Lk. 19:38). Some of the Pharisees tell Jesus to rebuke His disciples for this blasphemy (v. 39). Jesus says if His people hold their peace, the very rocks will cry out in praise (v. 40). It fulfills the prophecy, “Rejoice, Jerusalem, for your King comes humbly riding upon a donkey” (Zech. 9:9). He arrives in Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace rather than a conquering hero. The manner in which He enters the city destroys all hope some have for a mighty conquering Messiah who will vanquish the Romans and establish His kingdom on earth (Jn. 18:36). He arrives in Jerusalem and weeps over it (v. 41). The following Friday He dies for our sins just outside the walls.

On Palm Sunday the Lord needs a donkey. What do you have the Lord needs? Moses has a rod and God uses it to work a miracle to astound Pharaoh (Ex. 7:10). David takes his sling and kills Goliath (I Sam. 17:49). Samson employs the jawbone of a donkey to destroy 1,000 Philistines (Jud. 15:15). Jesus takes a boy’s lunch to feed a multitude (Jn. 6:9). The widow with two copper coins becomes the object of a timeless lesson (Lk. 21:2). Servants are given money to invest for their Master (Mt. 25:15). Mary of Bethany brings her alabaster box of precious ointment to bless Jesus (Jn. 12:3). What do you have the Lord can use? Do you possess special talents, education, finances, or musical ability? The Lord utilizes many things to draw souls into His kingdom. Whatever you have been blessed with, “the Lord has need of it.”

Maxim of the Moment

Love is made sweet by compliments; not commands.