“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9)
The prophet Zechariah spoke of the day when Jesus would triumphantly enter Jerusalem. His message was given approximately 400 years before the event. This is the day the people of God were waiting for. They shouted Hosanna to the King of kings but interestingly He came on the back of a donkey. It’s not quite the picture of a king and it did not take long for the people to reconsider their expectations. The events of the upcoming week would forever change the course of human history.
Over the past week the church has embarked on a 14-day Prayer and Fasting journey. The intention is to review key moments in the last week of the Lord’s earthly ministry. This is important because the church of our generation is looking forward to the Lord’s return. Let’s highlight a few of these events and discover helpful keys for our day.
Come Holy Spirit
Jesus spent considerable time speaking of the person and future ministry of the Holy Spirit. He made clear that the Holy Spirit would be available to lead the people into all Truth (John 16:13) and to teach them all things (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit will also come as a Comforter to abide with the people of God (John 14:16, 27).
Jesus also went into the temple and turned upside down the tables of the merchants and moneychangers (Mark 11:15-17). The Apostle Paul picks up on this theme in his letter to the Corinthians in noting that we are called to be the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:16). The Holy Spirit will also convict and reprove believers of sin and unrighteousness (John 16:8).
Know the Signs and the Times
The Lord gave the Olivet Discourse which provided key insights to end time events. The Lord desires for His people be vigilant and prepared as we draw closer to the Lord’s coming. A careful reading of Matthew 24 and 25 indicates that Jesus may well be speaking to our generation. This subject was a high priority on the Lord’s agenda in his last week. May the Lord help us to be like the 5 wise virgins who were prepared at the appearing of the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13).
Jesus or Barabbas
Pilate allowed the people to make a choice between Barabbas and Jesus. Barabbas was a man who was a murderer and known thief (Luke 23:25). Jesus was an innocent man who was being falsely accused. Consider the meaning of the name Barabbas. It can be translated “son of the father”. Jesus was the Son of His heavenly Father.
So whose father would be chosen? In this scenario there is no middle ground option, it is either Barabbas or Jesus. The people chose Barabbas, a man who reflected the values of a lost world. Jesus was rejected resulting in his humiliating death at the cross. Which of these two men will we choose. Remember, friendship with the world is enmity against God (James 4:4).
Fellowship with the Body of Christ
Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer (Luke 22:15).
Jesus was aware that His destiny with the cross was drawing near. He greatly desired to spend time with His very best friends. The companionship and fellowship served as a strength and comfort to Jesus. The writer of Hebrews speaks of the importance of gathering together as a family, especially as we see end time events coming into view (Hebrews 10:25).
The recent season of Covid helped all of us to appreciate the need for connection and fellowship with one another. The Holy Spirit works and flows through a united body of believers. People are edified and built up. At Pentecost we see what the Holy Spirit can do through a band of united brothers and sisters. An upper room gathering of about 120 people soon turned into a spirit-led movement of thousands being added to the church (Acts 2:41-47).
The above represents a small sampling of what took place during this pivotal week. What about the upcoming week before us? Will Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday be just another annual celebration we participate in? Perhaps we can spend time and ponder the teachings and experiences of Jesus in his final week before the cross. In His 1st advent, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. This time He will return as a triumphant king, accompanied by His prepared bride. Will we be among them?
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Matthew 21:9
Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
Tuesday: John 14:17
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
Wednesday: Matthew 24:37-38
But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark.
Thursday: John 12:3
Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
Friday: Matthew 27:17
Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
Saturday: Luke 22:42
Saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
Sunday: John 19:30
So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Tim O’Connell
