1/18/10 Matthew 21
The King is Rejected
Matthew 21 is referred to as the Triumphal entry when Matthew records for us the events that surrounded Jesus entering Jerusalem as the rightful King. He instructs two of his disciples to go and get a donkey and her colt. Jesus rode on the colt into Jerusalem (Mk 11:7), which fulfills the prophecy from Zech 9:9. This prophecy of the Messiah would have immediately been recognized by most Jews. The crowds laid their coats and palm branches on the road, which was an ancient act of homage given to royalty.
When Jesus arrives in the city it is a stir concerning this type of arrival by Jesus, and some people were saying “Who is this?” It reminds me of the question in Mt 16 that Jesus asks Peter, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is? This is an ultimate question. Who do people say that Jesus is? Who do you say that Jesus is? We must know for ourselves first who Jesus is. He is not only a Savior, but a King, which means we are responsible to do His will. After we come to know personally, then part of doing his will is tell and clarify to others who Jesus is.
Today many people are confused or clueless about; “Who Jesus is?” We must declare to them that He is not just a Savior, but The King, who deserves allegiance. If people reject Him they will be just like those who do so in this passage, the chief priests, scribes, elders of the people, and certainly everyday people. Jesus gives two parables to his rejecters and questioners at the end of chapter 21. He does this to encourage those that have rejected him to change their minds, and the second parable describes what will happen to those who continue in their rejection.
Prayer: Jesus, I praise you as the children do in this passage for saving me and forgiving me. Thank you for your grace and mercy that you have shown me, while I was rejecting your Kingship in my life. I ask that you will protect me from the sinful tendencies to do my own will, rather than yours. I submit to your perfect rule and reign in my life. King Jesus, I humbly request that you will deal patiently with me your servant. Where I harbor sin in my life I ask that you would reveal it to me, that I may change. I also request that my praise and proclamation of you to others would be full of faithfulness and integrity. Amen.