March 28, 2015: Mark 11:1-11

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

Mark 11:1-11

11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”

⁴ They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it,⁵ some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” ⁶ They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. ⁷ When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. ⁸ Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. ⁹ Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

¹⁰ “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

¹¹ Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Reflection: Expecting the Unexpected

Hope propels humanity to a better tomorrow.  The faithful Hebrew people had spoke about their expectation of a Messiah.  They would bring restoration to their land.  God would drive out the oppressors and free the captives.  Surely this Messiah would come like a military general.  Entering the holy city on a horse, exuding confidence through every pore of his being.  And yet today, we find our Messiah entering Jerusalem on a humble donkey.  This was an unexpected turn of events.  Still yet, we can hope to hear our own lives shouting “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”  Even with the cross drawing near, Jesus enters our lives- humble and yet persistent.  Remember that Jesus enters our lives in the most unexpected ways.  Everyday, in our lives of faith, has the potential for something amazing.   Today I pray Jesus will surprise you.  Expect a surprise today.

Reflection Questions:

Morning:How would your day change if you expected to see Jesus? How can you look for Jesus in your life today?

Noon: How has Jesus surprised you in your life of faith?

Evening: How has Jesus surprised you today? How can you improve seeking out Jesus in your life?