Easter Weekend Devotional Day 2
DAY 2 – Tuesday
Daily devotional
Read
John 12:12-19, Leviticus 23:33-44 (Countdown to the Cross)
Ask
What does “beseech” the Lord mean to you? Have you allowed Jesus to make a triumphal entry into your heart?
Reflect
Jesus’ reputation was widespread at this point. Pilgrims were making their way to Jerusalem for Passover and they hear he’s coming. So they took boughs of palms and hurried to meet him. Mosaic Law stated that palm branches were to be used for the Feast of Tabernacles also called Booths (Leviticus 23:33-44) and they were to take these beautiful boughs and celebrate.
The Feast of Tabernacles served as a reminder of God’s provision. As Jesus made His triumphal entry, people waved palm fronds and proclaimed “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel” (v. 13). At this point every messianic expectation is now at the point of realization. The word Hosanna is from Psalm 118:25-26: “O Lord, do save, we beseech You; O Lord, we beseech You, do send prosperity”.
Can you imagine being a Roman spectator watching this unfold? What was so triumphal about his entry anyway? It couldn’t compare to the kind of parade Julius Caesar had! One guy on a donkey versus a parade that lasted three days and made a spectacle of the captives and booty that was brought back. No, Jesus was a different kind of King. He would not conquer by force as earthly kings, but by love, grace, mercy, and his own sacrifice. That “one guy on a donkey” would ultimately be God’s once and for all complete provision for the all the world’s sin and give the gift of eternal life. Jesus is not a kingdom of armies and splendor, but of lowliness and servanthood. He doesn’t conquer nations but hearts and minds. His message is one of peace with God, not of temporal peace. If Jesus has made a triumphal entry into our hearts, he remains there in peace and love by his Holy Spirit. As his followers, we exhibit those same qualities, and the world sees the true King, living and reigning in triumph in us.
Have you allowed Jesus to make a triumphal entry into your heart? If so, what has changed since that day? If not, would you consider it? Jesus wants to lavish you with his love and he is humbly, patiently standing at the door of your heart waiting, all you have to do is open it.