The donkey owners demonstrated their faith by allowing Jesus to use resources. Donkeys would have been a valuable asset in the day. Yet, in a verbal agreement, they allowed Jesus’ disciples to take their donkey. Luke 19: 32 So they (two disciples) went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. 33 And sure enough, as …
Jesus came riding instead of walking into Jerusalem. This appears to be an intentional move by Jesus. He seems to have walked everywhere in His ministry. Jesus had stopped in Jericho to have a meal with Zacchaeus and do some teaching. Then, He continued His trip to Jerusalem. Luke 19:28 Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, …
Zacchaeus found out that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. As Jesus journeyed to the cross, He stopped by Jericho, where a wealthy tax collector named Zacchaeus lived. By the world’s standards, Zacchaeus was prosperous, but inside, he knows he is empty. Our enemy tells us that if we have more, it will …
Death awaited Jesus in Jerusalem, where He would die for the sins of the world. John the Baptist had a prophecy when Jesus began His ministry three years earlier. He proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Before going to Jerusalem, Jesus had a meaningful …
We see one criminal crucified next to Jesus trusting a dying king. Luke 23: 40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into …
The Romans put a signboard on the cross stating the condemned person’s crime as a warning. Jesus’ signboard said King of the Jews. The Jewish leadership considered the title of king to be false. But, ironically, this was the truth. Pilate knew that Jesus had claimed to be king, but it was not of this …
The mockers at the cross didn’t understand the significance of the cross. If Jesus saves Himself, He can’t save you. Jesus’ reputation of healing was well known. Even the Roman soldiers and a thief on the cross mocked Jesus’ seeming feebleness on the cross. The Jewish leadership had gotten just what they wanted: the death …
Being spiritually blind is something we are unaware of, but it affects our daily lives. As Jesus hung on the cross, we are confronted with His incredible compassion and the lack of concern of the Roman soldiers. Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled …
Forgiving in the face of suffering is one of Jesus’ most extraordinary acts of compassion and mercy as He suffers on the cross. Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.[1] As we reflect on this verse, we see …
Missing a spiritual opportunity is something we might not even be aware of. Often, the busyness of this world and our selfishness close our eyes to what God is doing. As you walk along your spiritual journey, pay attention to what God is doing around you and ask Him for wisdom so you do not …