November 19, 2022 - Matthew 21

“Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her’” (21:1-2). This episode of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem spotlights: 1) The fact that Jesus is God. He need not go looking for the colt; he already knew where it was. Omniscience in play! 2) That Jesus knew the Scriptures and spoke of the events unfolding precisely as foretold. 3) That the world and its people have their desires – here, the desire for a political/militaristic messiah – and God has his: here, a Redeemer. God’s purposes will always prevail. 4) That those who oppose God will be crushed but those who know and love him find his works to be marvelous. Messiah will die but he will live, and we with him!

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

In lowly pomp ride on to die.

O Christ, your triumphs now begin

O’er captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

In lowly pomp ride on to die.

Bow your meek head to mortal pain,

then take, O God, your pow’r and reign. --Henry Hart Milman (1827)