GRAPEVINE
A weekly spiritual insight, sharing a Bible verse paired with a thoughtful reflection to deepen your connection with God and illuminate His path for your life.
Thought for the week
JESUS ENTERS JERUSALEM IN TRIUMPH
As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.’
This took place to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet: ‘Say to Daughter Zion, “See, your king comes to you, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”’
The disciples did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds answered,
‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’
Jesus and his disciples had spent 3 years travelling the length and breadth of Israel, warning the people of their need to return to God, healing the sick, teaching the people about the Kingdom of Heaven and revealing to them that Jesus is their long-awaited Messiah, their anointed saviour sent by God. Jesus’s mission on earth was approaching its violent and terrible climax.
There was an air of expectancy and excitement as Jesus entered Jerusalem. He rode on a donkey, fulfilling a prophecy of the prophet Zechariah from 500 years earlier: “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ (Zechariah 9:9).
Hundreds of thousands of Jewish pilgrims had come from all over the known world to celebrate the great festival of Passover – the annual remembrance of their ancestors’ rescue from slavery in Egypt. Maybe many had encountered Jesus on his travels?
This is Jesus the healer, the miracle maker, the teacher who understands their problems and needs, who doesn’t strut about or lord it over them like the priests or teachers of the law. Could this Jesus really be the prophesied Messiah? Could Jesus really be their long-awaited King, greater even than King David, come to free them from the tyranny of their Roman conquerors? Longing for freedom, they cheered him as he came. They laid down their cloaks and palm branches to welcome their King. ‘Hosanna!’ they cried, (which means ‘Save us!’).
Little did the crowds know what would happen just a few days after Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The disciples that travelled with him should have known – he had warned them often enough – but this was a welcome far beyond the dreams of the disciples. Surely Jesus’s talk of his death was just the result of him being worn out by the work and the stress? Surely everything would be OK now? And for the next few days, it would be. Jesus would go into the Temple every day to teach, and the crowds would flock to see him and hear him. It seemed that nothing could stop him. But suddenly, that would change!
Associate Minister, Steve Turville
Keep up to date
Whether you are new to faith, exploring, or looking for a fresh start in your spiritual journey, we are delighted to welcome you. Our church is more than a building; it’s a community rooted in faith, love, and support, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Receive email updates
Join the community - Keep up to date!