Bible Pathways - Oct. 9, 2008
October 9
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Zechariah's prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) is fulfilled (Matthew 21:4-5). Jesus stops those who defile God's House (21:12-13). Some are like the fig tree that didn't produce fruit (21:18-22). Jesus teaches three more lessons: (1) About our willingness to do the Lord's will; (2) The worlds attitude toward the Father and Jesus the Son; (3) About accepting His invitation and being ready for the wedding feast with Christ.
The wise men did not find the newborn King Jesus in a palace or in royal attire, neither did He appear in a stately display of horse-drawn chariots on His royal entry into Jerusalem. Nothing could be plainer or less pretentious than this memorable event that fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy (21:1-11)!
Even the lowly animal chosen for His royal entry was as unassuming as the garments the disciples draped upon it. How unlike that which you would expect most kings would appear! What were the garments of the disciples and the branches of the multitude compared to the purple hangings and gorgeous array with which other sovereigns parade their power and display their pride?
Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, and His birth and His triumphant entry indicate the way in which our Lord goes through the world today. It has pleased God to display His glory in a way that is unrelated to fanfare and showmanship.
When they drew nigh unto Jerusalem . . . then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto Me (21:1-2). And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest (21:9).
Jesus knew exactly where the ass and colt were to be found, just as He knows all about every need you have and every one of your abilities.
Christ the King comes to rule our lives, He is Head over all things to the Church (Ephesians 1:22) of which He is the Head (5:23). Jesus went into the Temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the Temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My House shall be called the House of Prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves (Matthew 21:12-13).
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass (Zechariah 9:9).
Thought for Today:
The hearts of a spiritually-hungry world wait for us to tell them: Behold, thy King cometh (Matthew 21:5).
Word Studies:
21:2 over against you =b> ahead of you; facing you; 21:8 strawed . . . in the way =b> spread in His path; 21:33 husbandmen =b> tenant farmers; 21:42 The Stone . . . is become the Head of the corner =b> Christ (Psalm 118:22-23) who is the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20; I Peter 2:6).
Cross References:
For Matthew 21:5: See Isaiah 62:11; Zechariah 9:9. Matthew 21:9: See Psalm 118:26. Matthew 21:13: See Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11. Matthew 21:16: See Psalm 8:2. Matthew 21:33: See Psalm 80:8; Isaiah 5:1-2. Matthew 21:42: See Psalm 118:22-23. Matthew 22:24: See Deuteronomy 25:5. Matthew 22:32: See Exodus 3:6. Matthew 22:37: See Deuteronomy 6:5. Matthew 22:39: See Leviticus 19:18. Matthew 22:44: See Psalm 110:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. Francis E. Boone • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Rep. Artur Davis (AL) and Sen. Trent Lott (MS) • Country: Iraq (22 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish • Fierce harassment of non-Muslims • 96% Muslim; 3% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Magnify the Lord; exalt His Name (Psa. 34:3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33
