The Donkey, the King, and the Crowd

The real problem was never the Romans, but rather the sin that separated us from God and also separates us from each other. Jesus knew that repairing a broken political system does no good if the interior of the person is still broken. This would be a triumphal entry because Jesus was choosing to suffer the worst so that he could offer you and I the best. [00:27:20] (31 seconds)  #HealTheHeart

Hosanna is Hebrew for save I pray or help please. It is the Hebrew for what we read in Psalm 118 verses 25, Lord save us, which is a psalm of intercession. It is not very often that Hebrew words are given for us in the New Testament, but Mark is intentional in wanting us to think about salvation. Hosanna is not just an acknowledgment that salvation is important, it is a plea for salvation. It is the prayer that each one of us should have, Lord help me, Lord save me. [00:24:28] (40 seconds)  #HosannaPlea

He enters Jerusalem as the prophesied humble king riding a donkey. Not a political liberator who would be would have entered Jerusalem riding a horse, but also not as one carrying an instrumental power to conquer, rather as the servant who has come to lay down his life. Jesus as he enters Jerusalem is fulfilling Zechariah chapter nine and verses nine, a prophecy that had been made over six hundred years before, [00:04:55] (33 seconds)  #HumbleKingProphecy

I want to point to three lessons here, call them the lessons from the guy with the donkey. The first one is that our stewardship should be generous. This man surrendered his most valuable asset immediately upon hearing, the lord needs them. He didn't argue or ask for anything else in return. He simply gave them for the master's use. We all have a donkey, figuratively. Your donkey represents your unique gifts, maybe you're good at singing or teaching or writing or whatever resources that God has put in your care. [00:12:32] (43 seconds)  #GenerousStewardship

The gospel makes it abundantly clear that we all do account and will give an accounting of our stewardship. This man teaches us that our stewardship should always be generous, but also, secondly, that a small service can have a profound impact. I dare say that I don't think the donkey's owner ever imagined how seemingly insignificant little gift would make a significant difference. Don't underestimate what God has put in your position and in your care. [00:13:15] (37 seconds)  #SmallServiceBigImpact

It is Moses' staff that God used against pharaoh to deliver the children of Israel after four hundred and thirty years of bondage. It is a little boy's lunch that God and Jesus used to feed 5,000 people. A simple and seemingly insignificant gift or act of service can be the key piece in God's redemptive plan for someone. Thirdly, this gentleman teaches us to be content to serve in obscurity. [00:13:52] (35 seconds)  #TinyGiftsBigPurpose

this gentleman teaches us to be content to serve in obscurity. He didn't put his name on the colt or tattoo it on the side of the colt so that everyone would know who gave the donkey. He did not go around the village announcing to everyone that he had donated his donkey to Jesus. He was just content to serve in obscurity. But you know who knew? Jesus knew. And friends, that's what matters. [00:14:22] (32 seconds)  #ServeInObscurity

Jesus desires true, not superficial praise. It is not that we just wave branches or offer him lip service, but rather that we submit to his rule in our hearts. He wants genuine worship. Earlier in John chapter four he says, for the father seeks those who worship in truth and in spirit. Not just excited words or emotional hype. Do we hail him as king on Sunday but yet fail to surrender on Monday? Do we shout hosanna on Sunday morning? [00:20:45] (39 seconds)  #WorshipInTruth