Our scripture for today took place a week before Jesus was arrested, crucified, and resurrected. It is known as the “Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.” The King of the Jews was entering his capital! Multitudes turned out to celebrate, waving palm branches and crying “Hosanna” (save Lord)!
Notice in this passage in the Bible that two groups did something very different with their garments, though. The “utilitarian” group saw that Jesus needed a saddle and used their cloaks in a very practical way, fashioning a seat for the Savior to ride upon. But, another group did something wasteful and extravagant with their garments, taking them off and throwing them to the ground in front of the colt as Jesus rode into the city.
I must confess I’m usually in the first group. I’m very utilitarian and logical about my faith (maybe too much so)! But, sometimes the Lord wants us to worship Him not for any practical purpose or payoff, but just because He is Lord. Just notice in the entire New Testament that extravagance and even wastefulness in giving worship to the Lord is never rebuked by the Savior. So, join me in my wastefulness in worship today! Let us be extravagant in casting our garments of praise at the feet of Jesus!
Matthew 21:1-11
“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.’
“This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: ‘Say to Daughter Zion, See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’
“The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’”
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