March 2
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March 3
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The triumphal entry of Jesus has continued to be such an amazing picture in the life of the church for 2,000 years. The entry is both a humble picture of Jesus taking the form of a servant while also being a dramatic foreshadowing of the day when he will return in his final, ultimate victory. Though he rides here to his death, one day the praises of this small crowd will grow to include people of every nation, all across the world! 'Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!' It is in this unexpected way that Jesus is fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of the son of David who would come to bring peace on earth. He is showing that to be first you must first become a servant.
The clearing of the temple and the withering of the fig tree both condemns the nation of Israel for not reaching out to the nations, as well as us when we are not willing to make our church a place where everyone feels invited and welcomed. Our faith should be shared and the good news proclaimed to everyone.
"Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress"
(Psalm 46:6-7)
What an encouraging thing to hear.
Well said, friend Matt.
ReplyDeleteDid you catch Jesus explaining how easy it was to make the fig tree wither? He said in Mark 11:23-25 that we have to have no doubt & we have to pray. Then He added that while praying we need to forgive anyone we're still bitter over. I think forgivness is part of the formula for super natural prayer. We have to forgive to unlock the power of prayer.