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Week 2 Day 14
Luke 19:37-40
As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
This was the beginning of the end of what Jesus had come to do. He entered the great city of Jerusalem to be rejected, not respected. Jesus was on a trajectory that placed Him squarely on the cross. Oh the great irony here as the people recited a familiar Psalm upon Jesus’ entrance.
Psalm 118:26 says, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.” If you go back and read Luke’s account, you’ll notice how the multitudes of his disciples add “the King” to their celebration of Him. The title of “the King” was also the very title placed above him on the cross.
To some people, the arrival of the King was cause for celebration. To others, it was cause for concern. Even the response of the Pharisees gave a clue to what was on their hearts. While the disciples were praising, the Pharisees had rebuke on their heart.
It is interesting how the same King is received in two completely different ways. The main difference in how He is received is not in the nature of the King himself, it is in the hearts of those who receive him. As we reflect on the story of the King who entered Jerusalem and went to the cross, it is important that we take the time to think about how our own heart responds to Jesus.
I find that it is incredibly helpful in my worship of God to reflect on how my heart receives this King. Imagine true royalty coming to your town, moving right down your street outside your home. How would you respond in a similar situation? This is the King, the Christ, the Son of Man who came, died, and rose again! Here is true Royalty in our very midst!
Reflection
Pause to consider how you’d treat the highest guest of honor imaginable. What would your posture be, your tone, your expressions? Use these thoughts as you express your praise to Jesus. Read Psalm 113-118 for more insight into this passage.
Prayer
God, soften my heart that it may be more like the disciples and less like the Pharisees. I want to receive King Jesus as the King of my life and true champion over death. Give my heart the capacity to know Him in this way.