Day 68, Matthew 21
Now we reach the finale of the epic story of God becoming human and living as one of us.
The triumphal entry into Jerusalem is seen by the crowds (and probably by the disciples too) as the beginning of a liberation from Roman rule, and a day to celebrate imminent victory. They knew the prophecy from Zechariah, with the unusual symbol of a king on a donkey, but they did not know that the misunderstanding focused on the nature of the king and his rule, not just on the mode of transportation.
And Jesus is coming to overthrow religious corruption as much as oppressive pagan occupation. The cries of the joyful children, as Jesus continued to heal many, were music to His ears and anathema to the religious elites, because the title Son of David designates the Messiah. The Pharisees and their cronies were too blinded by their own power, pride and prestige to recognize the Messiah in their midst, seeing instead a threat to the status quo who must be eliminated.
Jesus is in charge of the whole schedule throughout the final week of His life, because He is fully and freely obeying His Father, whose purpose and prophetic promise is about to be fulfilled. So He leaves the city that night, and returns the next day to teach the crowds and further enrage the Sanhedrin by enumerating their wrongs in two parables. He also challenges their demand for proof of His authority - asking them where John the Baptizer’s authority came from. A question they could not answer for fear of the crowds. Notice how the lust for power and position is accompanied by fear of man. Jesus had none of these things because He was the first true Son of God who would bring many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10). It is our inheritance to also follow Father God closely, as Jesus did, and thus escape fear of man and the stronghold of control rooted in pride and power.
If you are not familiar with the Father’s love for you, and cannot see how you might live as Jesus is living in these final days of His life, then I encourage you to read James Jordan’s excellent book “Sonship: A Journey Into The Father’s Heart”. You will find much freedom in its pages.
Have a great day!
Mark.