Read Matthew 21:1-11. The account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is found in all four gospels. Compare Matthew’s account here with those in the other gospels: Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, and John 12:12-19. What details are consistent in all four gospels? What are the differences? Are the differing details enough to change the meaning or impact of the story?
For example, in John, Jesus just finds a donkey and sits on it, whereas in the others, he sends the disciples ahead to find one. Why might that have been an important detail to the others, but not to John? Matthew and John both refer to Zechariah 9:9, which reads, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The prophet was probably attempting to drive home the point that the Messiah would arrive in humility. A donkey was far less impressive than the steed that most royalty would ride, and a colt even less so. But the author of Matthew seems to misunderstand that detail, so has Jesus riding both the donkey and the colt, an awkward thing to imagine.
What a gift it is to examine the same story through the perspective of different authors!
In prayer today, offer thanks for the wisdom, the beauty, and the complexity of the bible.
Read Psalm 118:1-4, 19-29. Written as a congregational hymn centuries before Jesus was born, this psalm seems to perfectly describe his entrance into Jerusalem. Notice the phrase that is repeated in verses 1-4 and then again in verse 29. “His steadfast love endures forever.” Every aspect of God’s character reveals God’s steadfast love. God is merciful and patient. God guides us onto right paths and gives us strength and walks with us through rocky valleys. God heals hearts, heads, bodies, and relationships. God forgives and offers second chances to do better the next time. God allows us to suffer the natural consequences of our bad choices. All for love.
Can you think of a time when your thoughts or actions might have challenged that steadfast love? And what does it mean that even when you have failed to act with kindness, compassion, and humility, God still has not given up on you?
Today, take a few moments of silence. Breathe deeply. As you breathe in, say, “O give thanks to the Lord for he is good.” On each exhale, say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Repeat this several times and examine your physical, emotional, and spiritual state at the end of the exercise.
Read Isaiah 50:4-9a. This is one of the four Servant Songs found in Isaiah. The general understanding is that the servant represents Israel as they are suffering and oppressed while in exile. The gospel writers often reinterpret the prophet’s words as pointing to Jesus as the fulfilment of these prophesies. One can almost hear Jesus giving this explanation of his role as teacher, of his response to the violence he endured, and of his trust in God’s deliverance. Something that strikes me is that the servant values both speaking and listening. He uses his words to sustain the weary and listens carefully as if there is much to learn.
In reflecting on the past day or two, for what purpose did you use your words? When have you used your words to sustain someone who was weary? When has someone used their words to do the same for you? Are you better at speaking or at listening? Are there practices that might help you to find a better balance between the two?
In prayer, offer these words, “Speak, O Lord, for your servant is listening,” and then spend a few minutes in silence. Let your mind wander. Pay attention to the thoughts that come and examine each one, considering whether it is a distraction or whether it may be a word from God.
Read Matthew 26:14-30. I wonder how long Judas had been planning his betrayal of Jesus. Had he hatched the plan simply because of greed? Was he jealous that Jesus seemed to favor Peter, James, and John, bringing them on special fieldtrips like the one up the mountain to witness Jesus’ transfiguration? Was he tired of being mocked for being part of this whole Jesus thing, disappointed that Jesus wasn’t the blood-thirsty, ready-for-a-fight messiah he expected?
After he went to the chief priests and took the money, he had plenty of time to change his mind. He could have taken the money back and refused to give Jesus up. Even as they sit around the table and it becomes clear that Jesus knows about the betrayal, Judas could have decided then and there to turn back. But he didn’t. He got up from the table and followed through on his plan.
Have you ever made a plan to do something that you knew was wrong? Did you have second thoughts? Did you follow through or did you turn back? What was the outcome? We read later in Matthew that Judas was overcome by shame over what he had done. If only he had believed in Jesus’ teaching about God’s steadfast love, mercy, and forgiveness. He might have been able to find a way through it.
Today, offer a prayer for those sins you have knowingly and intentionally committed. Offer with it the shame you carry. Find assurance in God’s promise of pardon and new life.