Luke 19:28-48

God‘s Personal Visit
28-31After saying these things, Jesus headed straight up to Jerusalem. When he got near Bethphage and Bethany at the mountain called Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: "Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you‘ll find a colt tethered, one that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says anything, asks, ‘What are you doing?’ say, ‘His Master needs him.’" 32-33The two left and found it just as he said. As they were untying the colt, its owners said, "What are you doing untying the colt?" 34They said, "His Master needs him." 35-36They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street. 37-38Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed: Blessed is he who comes, the king in God‘s name! All‘s well in heaven! Glory in the high places! 39Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, "Teacher, get your disciples under control!" 40But he said, "If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise." 41-44When the city came into view, he wept over it. "If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it‘s too late. In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side. They‘ll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn‘t recognize and welcome God‘s personal visit." 45-46Going into the Temple he began to throw out everyone who had set up shop, selling everything and anything. He said, "It‘s written in Scripture, My house is a house of prayer; You have turned it into a religious bazaar."47-48From then on he taught each day in the Temple. The high priests, religion scholars, and the leaders of the people were trying their best to find a way to get rid of him. But with the people hanging on every word he spoke, they couldn‘t come up with anything.
Devotion (Emily Alsobrook):
At this time, the Jewish celebration of the Passover is approaching. Thousands of Jews have come to the city of Jerusalem on a pilgrimage to celebrate their history and God‘s deliverance of their people. These people have come expectant, excited, out of duty and tradition. They hope to celebrate as they have in years past. And what do they find? The great teacher Jesus riding in on a small colt, somewhat like military "triumphal entries." They decide to turn it into a celebratory parade and begin to shout and chant.
But Jesus has previously responded with tears and sorrows. When He saw the city and approached it, he wept and regretted the fact that they had not accepted Him. Jerusalem actually has the Hebrew word peace as a part of its meaning (Hebrews 7:2); but these people rejected Jesus, the Prince of Peace. They would have found peace had they turned to Him, but the religious leaders had blinded the group to the true source of peace, Jesus himself.
Jesus wants peace, to be a source of peace for all. Will you allow Him to be your source of peace today?
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being the Prince of Peace, for being the very source of peace. Help me to remember that You are God and I am not. And in the midst of my day and all the things going on, that You are the source of peace in my life. Help me to rely on You. Amen.