What Jesus Did : Matthew 21:1-3 - The Master Needs Them!
by Phil Ware
The Master Needs Them! - Matthew 21:1-3
Jesus and his followers were coming closer to Jerusalem. But first they stopped at Bethphage at the hill called the Mount of Olives. There Jesus sent two of his followers into the town. Jesus said to the followers, "Go to the town you can see there. When you enter it, you will find a donkey tied there. With the donkey you will find a young donkey. Untie the two donkeys and bring them to me. If any person asks you why you are taking the donkeys, tell that person, 'The Master needs these donkeys. He will send them back soon.'" (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
Jesus commands and we are to obey. His word is powerful and full of authority. He didn't have to quote from the Rabbi's to speak about God's Word, he spoke on his own authority as God's Son. He could speak and order out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead, or calm the fiercest storm. So when he sends word that "The Master has need of them," then we had better pay attention. So I want to challenge you today, just as I'm challenging myself: "What in my life does the Master have need of today?" Like the donkey, it may make it back to its original "owner" when he is done. On the other hand, he may call us to give it up and surrender to his glory. The point is simple: when the Lord calls, we come; when the Lord asks, we obey; and when the Lord demands, we are obedient. Anything less and he is not our Lord, Master, King, and Savior.
Today's Prayer
Give me a generous heart, O God, that I might not only follow your example but share generously and graciously with you just as you have already shared with me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
Jesus and his followers were coming closer to Jerusalem. But first they stopped at Bethphage at the hill called the Mount of Olives. There Jesus sent two of his followers into the town. Jesus said to the followers, "Go to the town you can see there. When you enter it, you will find a donkey tied there. With the donkey you will find a young donkey. Untie the two donkeys and bring them to me. If any person asks you why you are taking the donkeys, tell that person, 'The Master needs these donkeys. He will send them back soon.'" This happened to make clear the full meaning of what the prophet said: "Tell the city of Zion, 'Now your king is coming to you. He is humble and he is riding on a donkey. He is riding on a young donkey, born from a work animal.'" The followers went and did what Jesus told them to do. The followers brought the mother donkey and the young donkey to Jesus. They put their coats on the donkeys, and Jesus sat on the coats. {Jesus rode along the road to Jerusalem.} Many people spread their coats on the road for Jesus. Other people cut branches from the trees and spread the branches on the road. Some of the people were walking ahead of Jesus. Other people were walking behind Jesus. The people shouted, "Praise to the Son of David ! 'Welcome! God bless the One that comes in the name of the Lord!' Praise to God in heaven!" Then Jesus went into Jerusalem. All the people in the city were confused. They asked, "Who is this man?" The many people following Jesus answered, "This man is Jesus. He is the prophet from the town of Nazareth in Galilee."-- Matthew 21:1-11 (ERV)
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