Monday Devo - Mark 11:4-10
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven
I want us to think for a few moments about some of the events that took place in the life of Jesus the week after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We often refer to this week as Holy Week (also known as Passion Week). As I mention and reflect on some of these events, my prayer is that it might help set our thoughts, mind and prayers on our Easter Celebration as we continue to worship our risen King.
If this devotional comes out at the right time our church, as well as many others in the world will have celebrated Palm Sunday. Christians all over the world recognize it to be the day that Jesus returned to Jerusalem as the long awaited and promised King of Kings. It was a very jubilant and electric atmosphere. People were throwing down cloaks and palm branches for him to walk on. This king would free them from the Roman oppression they were experiencing, return long lost lands to them and would make them rulers over the surrounding neighbors. Things were looking up for the Israelites – but God had other plans.
Jesus had a very busy time (to say the least) in the days leading up to Holy Week. Much of his teaching took place during that time as you can see as you read the Gospels. On the Monday after Jesus’ entry we find Him clearing out the money changers in the temple – irritated that they had turned the temple into a “den of robbers” yet he continued to heal the blind and lame and continued to do “wonderful things.”
The next morning Jesus continued to show his authority and power in a way that seems to be a bit odd and out of place. He was hungry, went to get some figs from a fig tree and found it fruitless. Jesus cursed the tree and it withered at once. The disciples marveled at this miracle and He challenged His disciples that if they had faith they too could do these and even greater miracles.
An interesting fact that needs to be understood is that the Passover was taking place at this time. The details and events are too numerous to get into now but suffice it to say that Passover was a big deal to the disciples and the Jewish people at that time. Preparations needed to be made. This was probably the most important “suppers” ever had. As Jesus and his disciples had eaten they were relaxing around the table and Jesus informed them of a couple of “big” things. The first was that one of those that he loved that were gathered around the table would soon betray him. As we know this would be Judas. Imagine the effect this bit of news had on the group. All were shocked, surprised and in denial. The agony and hurt in Jesus’ voice as he made those comments had to be incredible. Some time later Jesus’ present to the disciples a way to remember Him even when he is gone. In an act of love and thanksgiving he presented the first Lord's Supper to those gathered. He took the bread and broke it and then offered them a cup of drink explaining to them that this symbolized his body and blood and that we could do this anytime we wanted to remember him. What an incredible gift He gave to us and after a couple thousand years we are still remembering Him in this way.
There are many, many memorable and important stories and events that took place this week – not to mention the crucifixion – but we can save that for Easter Sunday. As you go through the week, think of these events I mentioned. And, if you are really motivated, read the story found in the gospels. This will enhance your entire Easter experience and bring you to a greater understanding of what Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection really can mean to us.