Day Sixty-one – Matthew 21:1-11

There was no committee to plan Jesus’ grand entrance into Jerusalem, organize advance rallies, or hang “Jesus is the Messiah” banners. Jesus had to make the preparations himself. No trumpets greeted his arrival, but as soon as he began his descent, the crowds that knew him and his ministry announced him with their voices and provided their coats to give him a red carpet welcome.

When Jesus sent two disciples to fetch his ride, all he gave them was a simple set of instructions. No money, no appointments with important people, and no miracle. However, his instructions called for bold daring on their part. When they began untying the colt that was tethered near the entrance to the village, someone might challenge them and ask, “What do you think you’re doing?”

If that should happen, they were to say, “The Lord has need of them.” That would be their cover. How could bystanders know that by “Lord” the disciples meant Jesus and not the owner?

It is far too easy to get distracted when we are supposed to be doing the Lord’s work. We think we need organizations, funds, months of planning, and hopefully a miracle or two if our efforts are going to amount to anything significant. But there are more resources available to us than we realize. There are plenty of cost-free ways to pursue God’s will that only require faith, courage and daring. Jesus would have it this way, so that he can at all times remain the center of our total attention and devotion.