Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025

Memorise: “And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, ‘Teacher, rebuke Your disciples'” (Luke 19:39).

Read: Luke 19:28-45

[28]. When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

[29]. And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples,

[30]. saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here.

[31]. And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’”

[32]. So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”

[34]. And they said, “The Lord has need of him.”

[35]. Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him.

[36]. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.

[37]. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen,

[38]. saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

[39]. And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”

[40]. But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”

[41]. Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,

[42]. saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

[43]. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side,

[44]. and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

[45]. Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it,

Exposition:

The account of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem unveils a profound truth about human nature: even in the face of divine glory, not everyone will rejoice. Throughout history, the pattern remains consistent: those who walk in truth and righteousness will inevitably encounter opposition. The Pharisees, witnessing the outpouring of praise and adoration directed towards Jesus, were not moved to join the celebration but were instead consumed by envy and resentment.

Their reaction reveals a heart that is not aligned with God’s purposes. Instead of recognizing the Messiah’s arrival and the fulfillment of prophecy, they sought to silence the voices of those who acknowledged His divinity. Their concern was not for truth or righteousness but for their own perceived loss of influence and prestige.

The question arises: why were they so offended? The answer lies in the human tendency to resist anything that threatens our sense of control or importance. The Pharisees, accustomed to being revered as religious leaders, felt their authority challenged by Jesus’ growing popularity. Their envy blinded them to the significance of the moment, causing them to oppose the very one they should have embraced.

This narrative serves as a cautionary tale for us. Do we rejoice in the success of others, or do we harbor feelings of envy and resentment? Do we seek to elevate ourselves at the expense of others, or do we humbly acknowledge God’s hand in their lives?

The Psalmist reminds us that “some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). True strength and security are found not in human achievements or accolades but in unwavering faith in God. Those who trust in God are like Mount Zion, unshakeable and secure (Psalm 125:1).

Just as Jesus’ triumphant entry could not be thwarted by the opposition of the Pharisees, so too can no force withstand the advancement of God’s kingdom. The power of Christ within us empowers us to overcome every obstacle and triumph over every adversity.

The Weeping of Jesus: A Heart of Compassion

Amidst the celebration and opposition, Jesus displayed a profound expression of compassion. As He drew near to Jerusalem, He wept over the city, foreseeing the destruction that awaited it. His tears were not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of His deep love for His people.

Jesus’ weeping reveals a heart that is deeply moved by the pain and suffering of humanity. He longed for Jerusalem to recognize the “time of their visitation,” the moment when God was offering them peace and salvation. However, their hearts were hardened, and they rejected His message.

This passage reminds us that God’s love is not contingent on our acceptance. Even when we turn away from Him, His heart remains open to us. His desire is not to condemn but to redeem and restore.

The Cleansing of the Temple: A Call to Purity

Following His triumphant entry, Jesus entered the temple and cleansed it, driving out those who were profaning its sacred space. His actions were a powerful declaration that God’s house should be a place of prayer and worship, not a marketplace for worldly gain.

The cleansing of the temple serves as a reminder that God is concerned about the purity of His church. He desires that His people be set apart from the world, living lives that reflect His holiness.

Applying the Principles in Our Lives:

Examine Our Hearts: Are we genuinely happy for the success of others? Do we harbor feelings of envy or resentment?

Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Acknowledge that God is in control of all things, including our circumstances.

Walk in Humility: Recognize that all our achievements are gifts from God and give Him the glory.

Pray for Those Who Oppose Us: Follow Jesus’ example and pray for those who persecute us.

Seek Purity: Strive to live lives that reflect God’s holiness and purity.

Declare God’s Glory: Like the disciples, boldly proclaim the praises of God and His mighty works.

Prayer Points:

1. Lord Jesus, You entered triumphantly to Jerusalem; I will ride gloriously into my destiny, unstoppably.
2. Jesus, remove obstacles and jealousy among Your ministers, allowing Your blessings to flow freely.
3. Father, protect Your Church from the devil’s schemes hindering the spread of the gospel.

Suggested Hymn for Today:

CAC GHB: 294

9 6 10 7 & Ref

1. Have you read the story of the Cross,Where Jesus bled and died;Where your debt was paid by His precious bloodThat flowed from His wounded side?He died of a broken heart for you,

   He died of a broken heart;

   Upon a tree, for you for me,

   He died of a broken heart.

2. Have you read how they placed the crown of thornUpon His brow for you,When He prayed, “Forgive them oh, forgive;They know not what they do?”
3. Have you read how He saved the dying thief,When hanging on the tree,When He looked with pleading eyes and said,”Dear Lord, remember Me?”
4. Have you read that He looked to heaven and said,’Tis finished ‘Twas for thee!Have you ever said, ” I thankThee, Lord,For giving Thy life for me?”

Amen.

Extra Reading for Today:

Joshua 5-8

May the Lord grant you grace to walk in humility and to always rejoice in the success of others, and to declare His glory without fear. AMEN