Luke 19:28-34
Value is an interesting thing. What makes something valuable? There was a time when gold and silver were not as valuable as they are now. It seems like everyone is looking to purchase some gold, including my wife who has a propensity for jewelry. Then, there’s property. A financial advisor will tell you that a balanced portfolio always has property linked to it. Then, there are things much more valuable than “stuff” like the memory of a loved one, time spent with our children, and special moments with our spouse. These relationships are priceless.
As Jesus journeyed toward The Cross, he was about to teach his disciples a lesson in WHO is most valuable. On the road travelling toward Jerusalem, he decided to give his disciples some instructions. He told them to go ahead to a nearby village and untie a colt and bring it to him. It was to be a colt that had never been ridden on, one specifically for his entrance into Jerusalem. Can you imagine such instructions given to you? Why did Jesus have his disciples to do such a thing?
A colt that had never been ridden on symbolized purity, set-apartness, and royalty. In Biblical tradition, animals never used for work were reserved for sacred purposes (Numbers 19:2; 1 Samuel 6:7). As the King of Peace, Jesus’ use of an untouched, unbroken animal displayed divine power and control and fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.
Jesus is worthy. He is valuable. He is most valuable. It’s also true that Jesus came in humility, not haughtiness. He is our perfect example. The king mentioned in Zechariah 9:9-10 would ride a donkey into Jerusalem rather than a warhorse. In the ancient Middle Eastern world, leaders rode horses if they rode to war, but donkeys if they came in peace. First Kings 1:33 mentions Solomon riding a donkey on the day he was recognized as the new king of Israel. Other instances of leaders riding donkeys are Judges 5:10; 10:4; 12:14; and 2 Samuel 16:2. The mention of a donkey in Zechariah 9:9-10 fits the description of a king who would be “righteous and having salvation, gentle.” Rather than riding to conquer, this king would enter in peace. Zechariah 9:10 highlights this peace: “I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” Jesus came to start a revolution in people’s hearts! It wasn’t what the Jews expected, and it would ultimately be the reason that they rejected him as their king.
Sometimes we misunderstand Jesus too. We tend to see him as a “benevolent grandfather” looking to give us everything that we want. Sadly, we can miss the power and beauty of who he is. He is the Lord God! He is the Savior of the world! There is no one more valuable than Jesus. Do you remember the story in the Bible where a woman named Mary broke an expensive bottle of perfume and poured it out on Jesus? She took what was worth a full year's wages and “gave it away” to Jesus. You can read the story in (Matthew 26, Mark 14, or John 12) when you have some time. One thing is absolutely for sure, she was willing to sacrifice so much because she saw Jesus as being EVEN MORE VALUABLE! It was surprising to even Jesus’ disciples.
How do you see Jesus? Is he valuable enough to you to change your priorities? Is he special enough to cause you to sacrifice your time, talents, and treasures for him? The reality is that HE IS VALUABLE ENOUGH! That’s not the question. The question is…do you actually believe that he is. If you do, your life will constantly show it.
As Jesus journeyed toward The Cross, he was about to teach his disciples a lesson in WHO is most valuable. On the road travelling toward Jerusalem, he decided to give his disciples some instructions. He told them to go ahead to a nearby village and untie a colt and bring it to him. It was to be a colt that had never been ridden on, one specifically for his entrance into Jerusalem. Can you imagine such instructions given to you? Why did Jesus have his disciples to do such a thing?
A colt that had never been ridden on symbolized purity, set-apartness, and royalty. In Biblical tradition, animals never used for work were reserved for sacred purposes (Numbers 19:2; 1 Samuel 6:7). As the King of Peace, Jesus’ use of an untouched, unbroken animal displayed divine power and control and fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.
Jesus is worthy. He is valuable. He is most valuable. It’s also true that Jesus came in humility, not haughtiness. He is our perfect example. The king mentioned in Zechariah 9:9-10 would ride a donkey into Jerusalem rather than a warhorse. In the ancient Middle Eastern world, leaders rode horses if they rode to war, but donkeys if they came in peace. First Kings 1:33 mentions Solomon riding a donkey on the day he was recognized as the new king of Israel. Other instances of leaders riding donkeys are Judges 5:10; 10:4; 12:14; and 2 Samuel 16:2. The mention of a donkey in Zechariah 9:9-10 fits the description of a king who would be “righteous and having salvation, gentle.” Rather than riding to conquer, this king would enter in peace. Zechariah 9:10 highlights this peace: “I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” Jesus came to start a revolution in people’s hearts! It wasn’t what the Jews expected, and it would ultimately be the reason that they rejected him as their king.
Sometimes we misunderstand Jesus too. We tend to see him as a “benevolent grandfather” looking to give us everything that we want. Sadly, we can miss the power and beauty of who he is. He is the Lord God! He is the Savior of the world! There is no one more valuable than Jesus. Do you remember the story in the Bible where a woman named Mary broke an expensive bottle of perfume and poured it out on Jesus? She took what was worth a full year's wages and “gave it away” to Jesus. You can read the story in (Matthew 26, Mark 14, or John 12) when you have some time. One thing is absolutely for sure, she was willing to sacrifice so much because she saw Jesus as being EVEN MORE VALUABLE! It was surprising to even Jesus’ disciples.
How do you see Jesus? Is he valuable enough to you to change your priorities? Is he special enough to cause you to sacrifice your time, talents, and treasures for him? The reality is that HE IS VALUABLE ENOUGH! That’s not the question. The question is…do you actually believe that he is. If you do, your life will constantly show it.
Posted in Devotional