Jesus is welcomed into Jerusalem with a joyous reception. This "Triumphal Entry" is similar to the way the Greek world would welcome a conquering emperor.
Yet, though Jesus does not turn away the (deserved) worship, he does have a solemn perspective on the situation. Immediately following his entry, he prophesies about his impending death.
We see in this chapter a great lesson in obedience. Look at the verses below. Meditate on the significance of what Christ did and the implications that his obedience could have on your obedience.
Christ's Obedience -
"Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop." (12:24)
"As for Me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to Myself." (12:32)
"I know that His command is eternal life. So the things that I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me." (12:50)
Man's Obedience -
"The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." (12:25)
"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me. Where I am, there My servant also will be. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." (12:26)
"The one who rejects Me and doesn’t accept My sayings has this as his judge: The word I have spoken will judge him on the last day." (12:48)
The Purpose of Obedience -
"What should I say—Father, save Me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again!” (12:27-28)
Jesus,
Thank you for your obedience, even unto death.
You always saw clearly the end goal of your actions and decisions - God's glory.
By your Holy Spirit, help me to see the world in the same way.
I need your vision and guidance to have the strength to "lose my life".
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God, i do not know with specificity what will become of me or where you particularly want me to go or what you want me to do. i know enough to know that You have prepared works for me beforehand, but not enough to predict with accuracy what those acts are.
ReplyDeletebut i do know that your will is that i believe in the One You have sent. i know that doing God's work is believing in the Son (John 6).
wherever i go and whatever i do, may it be in faith by grace and faithfully walking in repentance and belief before Jesus, our God.