Passage
Matthew 21:1-11 (ESV)
Like Seeing the Face of God
Genesis 33:1-20
Key Verse: 33:11
Who is This?
Date: Sep. 27, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 21:10
And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?”
First, Jesus is the Messiah (1-9). Whereas previously Jesus had strictly warned his disciples not to reveal that he was the Messiah (16:20), now he openly reveals this truth to the entire city of Jerusalem. And the crowds respond with cries of "Hosanna!", using messianic titles. Yet some, if not many, in these same fickle crowds will be crying for Jesus' crucifixion just a few days later.
Second, "Who is this?" (10-11) Jesus' disciples, his followers and the entire nation of Israel needed to know the answer to this question. We too, need to know - all of us: God "desires all men to be saved" (1Ti 2:4). The key to salvation is to understand that Jesus is God, that he came in the flesh as a man, that he went to the cross for our sins where he died and rose again, and that he will return to judge the earth and establish his kingdom. This is what we pray for every Sunday: "Thy kingdom come and thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Like the Jews in Jerusalem, there is a day for each of us when we must hear and we must heed what God is saying to us. "Now is the day of salvation" (2Co 6:2). Hear God now when he speaks to you. "Do not refuse him" (Heb 12:25). Repent, and believe.
Prayer: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. I am proud and arrogant. I have failed to fulfill your calling and purpose for me. I stumble and live in darkness. I am not worthy even to eat the crumbs from your table. Spare me, oh God - make me your servant.
One Word: Spare this evil sinner.
