Today's Scripture:

Matthew 21:1-11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
This passage tells the story of what we know now as Palm Sunday, where Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey and people worship him with palm branches and lay their cloaks on the road. Jesus rides into town not on a horse like people would expect a king to ride on, but a donkey, which symbolizes peace and gentleness. This shows that Jesus came not to solve all worldly problems, but to allow everyone to live eternally with God by dying on the cross for our sins.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
When I read this scripture, I can only think about how these people were worshipping and praising Jesus, yet in the next five days they would be fighting to condemn Him to death. It reminds me of the many times that I tell myself that I will read the Bible more or start praying twice a day, and then in the next couple days I fall out of the habit and just don’t do it. The worst example of this is when I commit a sin, repent, and through his mercy and grace, God forgives me. Yet the next day I commit the sin again. How many times do we praise God in one breath, but in the next curse him?

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
In James 3:10 it states, “Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” We need to be aware of what we do and say, and to try to not take advantage of God’s mercy and love by betraying Him. We also need to be a good example to other Christians and even non-believers, and to do this we must be consistent in our words and actions.

About Sophia Schulz:
I am a freshman at Stratford High School, and I play soccer there.
I’ve been at Grace since Kindergarten, and now I’m very involved with Student Ministries.