Matthew 21:4-5

April 23, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, ‘Say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.”’” (Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭4‬-‭5‬)

These two verses are Matthew’s effort to explain Jesus’ entering Jerusalem on a donkey to the reader. I think Matthew is doing more than giving us a parenthetical explanation, though.

He is making a theological point by referencing Zechariah 9:9, which was regarded as a messianic prophecy. Jesus intentionally rode into the city on a donkey at Passover to signal at least two things.

First, the animal represented humility and nobility. Humility is likely easy to see. However, the nobility may be more challenging to recognize. It seems to me that Jesus is making a natural connection to Solomon, the son of David, riding a donkey immediately following his inauguration as king in 1 Kings 1:33-38. Jesus was signaling his connection to David (2 Samuel 7).

Second, Passover was an annual feast that commemorated God’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt. On this Passover, God was providing a much more significant deliverance for all who would receive it. That deliverance is still on offer: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬)

Father, please help me to see these types of connections in your word. Please use them to help me see your glory. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Matthew, New Testament, Prophecy

Matthew 16:21

April 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.‭‭” (Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭21‬-‭22‬)

Peter is an example of how people can miss the big picture. Repeatedly. Here, Peter is understandably alarmed by the news of Jesus’ impending abuse and death. His protective response is understandable. Particularly since this is the first time he has heard about it from the mouth of Jesus.

However, the Old Testament had already spoken of the Messiah’s abuse and death: See, for example, the collision between the Son of woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), his piercing (Psalm 22:16, Zechariah 12:10), being cut off (Daniel 9:26), and bearing sins as a suffering servant (Isaiah 53).

This is a reminder that the Old Testament is the foundation for the New Testament. To unhitch from the Old Testament as if it has no bearing on or connection to the New Testament is wrong-headed. And this particular story provides an example of the value of the Old Testament. Assuming he would have responded appropriately, had Peter been more aware of what the Old Testament says about the Messiah, he would not have been rebuked here or in the Garden of Gethsemane when he pulled out his sword to protect Jesus from the soldiers.

Let’s do an unrealistic thought experiment. Imagine if Peter had succeeded and Jesus had simply grown old and died of natural causes. Where would we be today? Trapped under the guilt of sin! Jesus had to die because his sin-bearing death was the Father’s plan to redeem the world.

The somber atmosphere on Good Friday is not inappropriate, but is often misdirected. The somber atmosphere should reflect our sorrow over our sin, which is the reason for the cross. We should rejoice at God’s gracious plan of redemption and Jesus’ obedient death on the cross (Philippians 2:8) on our behalf. Hebrews 12:1-2 (emphasis added) affirms this approach: “… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Similarly, the joy that is set before us is the knowledge that “Sunday’s coming!” and all that means for our future in eternity.

Father, help me not to let good intentions lead me into beliefs or actions that work against your plan. Please help me to see and accept the big picture of your plan. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, discipleship, God's Word, Gospels, Jesus Said, Life in Christ, Matthew, Prophecy, resurrection Tagged With:

John 13:19

March 25, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place, you may believe that I am he” (John‬ ‭13‬:‭19‬).

Jesus appears to be establishing reminders that will be pivotal for the disciples in the future. Sometimes we call this prophecy, which is foretelling future events. The event foretold here – Judas’s betrayal of Judas – will begin to take place in the next moments, but will become clear in a few hours.

I think Jesus’ foretelling the future is important for a few reasons. First, it demonstrates his clear knowledge of the future. While foretelling the future alone does not prove his deity, it is surely part of the whole argument for his deity.

Second, foretelling the future demonstrates that Jesus wasn’t unaware of or tricked into this betrayal or his impending death. He willingly walked to Calvary for me!

Third, foretelling Judas’s betrayal demonstrates Jesus’s kindness toward Judas. While he knew what Judas was doing, he still gave Judas an honored seat at the meal. I suspect that had I been in that position, I would have put Judas far away from me.

Fourth, foretelling the future for the disciples is a measure of grace because his words will help them believe afterward. He did the same regarding his death and resurrection in Mark 8, 9, and 10.

Jesus will use this phrase twice more in John:

“And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.” (‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭29‬)

“But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.” (John‬ ‭16‬:‭4‬)

This pattern demonstrates Jesus’ commitment to his disciples and us! Why us? Because these words are preserved for us, along with many more, and are helpful for us to believe.

Thank you, Father, for the love and grace of Christ demonstrated in foretelling the future. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Gospels, Grace, Jesus Said, John, New Testament, Prophecy

Micah 4:1-2

January 22, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations shall come, and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Micah 4:1-2).

Once again, God provides a word of hope in the midst of rebuking the wicked. Today, there remains the hope of righteousness for Israel. I believe they have been brought back to their promised land, and I am praying daily for the spiritual renewal component of God’s promise. 

Going up to the house of the Lord is a fairly common theme in the Psalms, but also in the prophets. 

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!'” (Psalm‬ ‭122‬:‭1‬)

“And many peoples shall come, and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬).

“The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going’” (Zechariah‬ ‭8‬:‭21‬).

All of these references are before the destruction of the temple. But fervor for the house of the Lord is still there upon their return from captivity in Babylon. 

Father, please bring about the spiritual restoration of Israel. Please give strength, courage, and clarity of message to the believers in Israel today. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Isaiah, Jerusalem, Micah, Old Testament, Prophecy, Psalms, Temple Mount, Zechariah

Micah 3:5-6

January 21, 2026 by Leave a Comment

“Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry ‘Peace’ when they have something to eat, but declare war against him who puts nothing into their mouths. Therefore, it shall be night to you, without vision, and darkness to you, without divination. The sun shall go down on the prophets, and the day shall be black over them” (Micah 3:5-6).

In this chapter, the Lord rebukes the political and religious leaders. Beginning in verse 5, the focus moves to the religious leaders, the prophets. Notice that the prophets lead the people astray. When the people feed them, they are peaceful. But they declare war on whoever does not give them food. 

This suggests these prophets are about the profits, not about the Lord. For such prophets, the Lord promises to stop giving them visions. 

Micah separates himself from these wicked prophets, declaring, “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin” (8).

I want to be like Micah and not the wicked prophets. 

Father, please help me to keep a close watch on my motives. Please fill me with the power of your spirit. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Micah, Old Testament, Prophecy
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