Thursday, April 6 – John 12:12-16

On the next day, when the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, indeed, the King of Israel!” Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “Do not fear, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things for Him.

When getting to know people—or pouring into long-standing friendships—we might learn things about them that surprise us. Maybe those people are completely different that we expected. This triumphal entry was a celebratory moment because Jesus truly did deserve all the praise, honor, and glory. While the crowd cheered His entry, He came in an unexpected way, in humility, riding on a young donkey. Today, we also get caught up in the ways we expect God to work. We think He will move and answer prayers in certain ways, but like the Jews, if we celebrate Him for who we want Him to be instead of praising Him for who He is, our praise will be short-lived.

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” Jesus’s purpose for reconciliation and peace with God has always been on display. This Easter we can see and worship Jesus in a way the Jewish crowd did not. We see clearly how God has fulfilled His promises. We see what kind of King Jesus truly is—different than we expect, but everything we need. He is a King who has truly conquered all but is still close to His people. This weekend, remember who Jesus is, worship Him for all He has done, and trust Him to work in your life even when it looks different from what you expected.

• How has Jesus worked in your life in unexpected ways?
• What are some specific reasons you have to praise Jesus in this Easter season?
• Pray and reflect on the reasons you worship Jesus. Ask God to work in your heart to help you see who He is instead of only who you want Him to be.