Matthew 21:1-11 His First Planned Public Demonstration

Jesus had never planned and promoted a public demonstration of His message and ministry until this point, my commentary said.  In fact, He'd cautioned people not to tell who He was.  In doing so now, "He was obeying the Word and fulfilling the prophecy recorded in Zechariah 9:9, which could only apply to Jesus Christ, for He is the only One with credentials that prove He is Israel's King."

Zechariah opened with "Rejoice greatly!"  But Jesus wept because He saw judgment coming.  Matthew had omitted, "He is just, and having salvation," my commentary said, because His act of mercy and grace was not an act of judgment.  He did bring salvation, but they refused to accept it.

"The public presentation did something else:  It forced the Jewish leaders to act ... The prophetic Scriptures required that the Lamb of God be crucified on Passover.  This demonstration ... incited the rulers to act ... Even our Lord's miracles didn't convince them of who He is."

Father, You are all-wise and all-knowing, and every action in this chapter exactly fit the plan You designed before the creation of our world.  Help me to take to heart that You are still just as all-wise and all-knowing.  I can trust You with my life.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford