Monday, March 30 – “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9) These words were written some 500 years before Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. Some would argue, against Jesus, saying that he knew this prophecy and that’s precisely why he made the choice to do what he did. Which, by the way, is very true. But the existence of that truth doesn’t make the whole event any less real or significant.
Tuesday, March 31 – “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’” (Luke 14:21) The owner of the house is God. The servant is someone who has made a choice to follow Jesus. The “poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame” is who God is calling to a great banquet. Though not mentioned, but implied, there are also the people who refused to come with the first invitation. Who are you?
Wednesday, April 1 – “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” (Matthew 21:6) This is the behavior of a good disciple. The deeper, much more personal question, is why “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” All we can do is guess. For none of us will ever know the motivations behind anyone’s actions. All we can do is ask of ourselves “Why am I doing what I’m doing?”
Maundy Thursday – “The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.” (John 12:12) We’re social beings, created in the image of God. The ultimate social being. This crowd was there for the Passover festival. Why? Some, because that’s what they’ve always done. Some, because they hoped to see Jesus. Some, because they wanted to kill Jesus. Some, because it was their duty to be there. Why are you here, reading these words, right now?
Good Friday – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.” (Psalm 118:26) The praises of Sunday have turned into the rebuke of Friday. So, why is this day called “Good”? Because it’s the beginning of the end, of the beginning. It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming! In the moment, you and I have no ability to define something as good or bad. That’s God’s purview.
Saturday, April 4 – “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’” (Matthew 21:10) This is your question, my question, every human being’s question. How you answer this question will influence the trajectory of your entire life. Your answer to this question will be the filter through which every aspect of your life will flow. Today, take some time to consider your answer. Then add this question: “Why do I answer that question the way I do?”
Tuesday, March 31 – “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’” (Luke 14:21) The owner of the house is God. The servant is someone who has made a choice to follow Jesus. The “poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame” is who God is calling to a great banquet. Though not mentioned, but implied, there are also the people who refused to come with the first invitation. Who are you?
Wednesday, April 1 – “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” (Matthew 21:6) This is the behavior of a good disciple. The deeper, much more personal question, is why “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” All we can do is guess. For none of us will ever know the motivations behind anyone’s actions. All we can do is ask of ourselves “Why am I doing what I’m doing?”
Maundy Thursday – “The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.” (John 12:12) We’re social beings, created in the image of God. The ultimate social being. This crowd was there for the Passover festival. Why? Some, because that’s what they’ve always done. Some, because they hoped to see Jesus. Some, because they wanted to kill Jesus. Some, because it was their duty to be there. Why are you here, reading these words, right now?
Good Friday – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.” (Psalm 118:26) The praises of Sunday have turned into the rebuke of Friday. So, why is this day called “Good”? Because it’s the beginning of the end, of the beginning. It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming! In the moment, you and I have no ability to define something as good or bad. That’s God’s purview.
Saturday, April 4 – “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’” (Matthew 21:10) This is your question, my question, every human being’s question. How you answer this question will influence the trajectory of your entire life. Your answer to this question will be the filter through which every aspect of your life will flow. Today, take some time to consider your answer. Then add this question: “Why do I answer that question the way I do?”
You try to eat right. You drink plenty of water. you exercise. don't forget your spirit - feed it!
daily devotions
