July 20
Mark 11:1-11
Have you ever ridden a donkey? I played donkey basketball once in high school. The donkey I was supposed to ride would not move no matter what I did. I kicked, I pushed, I pulled, still he wouldn't budge. Now-a-days donkeys are not really considered the most regal of all animals. But in Jesus' time, even Kings rode donkeys. (See 1 Kings 1:33) Jesus needed the donkey colt to fulfill the prophesy in Zechariah 9:9. "Rejoice, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey - riding on a donkey's colt." By doing this, Jesus was proving that He was (is) the Messiah, Israel's King. And how did Jesus get His donkey? He asked His disciples for it. Yesterday, we learned that it is okay to ask God for things. Today we learn that sometimes Jesus asks us for things. Being a Christian should not be all about what God can do for you, but what you can do for God.
Principle: As rightful king, Jesus deserves praise and the use of anything He desires.
Application:
1. If Jesus asks for something I have, am I willing to fibe it up without question?
2. Do I praise Jesus only with the crowd, or am I willing to be His disciple when everyone else is silent?
3. Where am I asked to be obedient like Christ in the face of opposition?
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When Jesus asks us for something, it is not because he is needy or couldn't do it without our help. It is for us. He asked for a donkey but told the disciples exactly where is was and what would happen, etc. Once again demonstrating his sovereignty. And once again a lesson probably lost on the disciples. (In case you think I am being critical of the disciples, I remind you that I have admitted being stone deaf and blind to many of Jesus' miracles -- and lessons -- in my own life.)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a child and heard this story in Sunday school, I always wanted to know if the people got their donkey back. I guess the part of the story where Jesus says, "The Lord will . . . send it back" didn't seem important to my teachers, but for some reason, I really wanted to know. Today's lesson reminded me of that desire and a thought--funny that when Jesus asks for something, he fully intends on paying back, and in my experience, his returns are better than what I started with.
ReplyDeleteHe says:
Give me your sin, I'll give you life.
Give me your money, I'll care for you in a way that will blow your mind.
Give me your fear, I will give you peace and courage.
And the list continues.
Tomorrow in VBS I get to talk about this issue, and I'm pumped! Sometimes, I really don't know why Jesus is asking, but I am confident He knows, and He has a good reason.
And one more thing...I absolutely love singing, "Hosanna in the Highest." I always picture Jesus on a donkey and palm branches being waved. Then I picture Jesus smiling at me. Hosanna loves me!
I just love this Bible study. It makes our Bible come to life. I really look forward to reading everyone’s posts, the interactions we are having, and seeing how God reveals so many different things from one scripture. Thank you Sarah for giving of your time and knowledge so that we could benefit so much from this study.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about bringing the donkey back, but I am wondering now!! And whose donkey was it?? What a privilege they had in providing it for Jesus. Hmm…I wonder if I have a donkey for Him too:) I'll remember this story in a different light now Andrea!!
And what stood out to me today was when Jesus entered the temple. I can see Him in my minds eye standing there, looking around and feeling the peace and quiet. I wonder what He was thinking. Was He thinking ahead to a dreadful crucifixion, or was He enjoying the solitude for just a minute. Sometimes I think we need peace and quiet, but in our crazy lifestyles that’s kind of hard to find! Someone once told me to breathe in God and exhale the stress:) It really does help!
Linda the part where He went to the temple stuck out to me as well. I wondered, what did He do, what did he say when He was in the temple? Did He teach the disciples one more time before leaving? I did not think about Him just being there for peace and quiet.
ReplyDeletequestion 2 was also convicting to me. I know I praise Him in the crowds of other christians. How often do I really praise Him when I am not in a crowd of other believers. I pray that I will praise Him in all situations no matter who is around me or what is happening.
For many years it has been culturally popular to believe in Jesus and attend church. Many who do so do not have a heart-felt faith: it's just the way they were raised. It's cultural Christianity. Things are changing in our country to where it is much less culturally popular to believe in Jesus and go to church. In my lifetime, I believe that those who believe in Jesus and attend church will have to do so "against the grain" of culture. And it is just as well. Those who said, "Hosanna" would later say, "Crucify Him." Mob mentality religion isn't our calling. Lord may I praise you even if most others do not.
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