What Jesus Did! 'Praise God!' — Matthew 21:8-11

Saturday, October 2, 2021

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Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of [Jesus as he rode the colt of a donkey into Jerusalem], and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

"Praise God for the Son of David!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Praise God in highest heaven!"

The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. "Who is this?" they asked.

And the crowds replied, "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

— Matthew 21:8-11 NLT

Key Thought

"Praise God for the Son of David!"

This is a crowd looking for a king, a hero, a conqueror. Because they don't know the real identity of Jesus, it doesn't matter that they cry "Praise God" to the one they call Son of David. They also call him a prophet and know he is from Nazareth. In other words, they want a savior who fits their description, who fulfills what they want, and who meets their demands. Like Peter and the apostles earlier, they can't see their savior going to a cross. But God's Son, who came as the Son of David, does go to a cross and brings salvation.

What kind of Savior do we want Jesus to be? He is our Savior who went to the cross for our sins and who calls us to the cross to share his life and grace with others.

Today's Prayer

Father, I confess my selfishness to you. I know I often look to you to fix my messes, forgive my sins, undo my mistakes, and correct my errors. Please forgive me. Deep down, I don't want you, or Jesus, to be my "errand boy." I want to be your servant, yielded to your will, empowered by your Spirit, and buoyed by your grace. Help me keep in balance a deep appreciation for your grace while joyfully living under the lordship of Jesus. I pray in the name of Jesus, Son of David and my Savior. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 1:1, 16-17
  • Matthew 20:29-33
  • Matthew 22:31-34

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 21:8-11 NLT — "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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