What Jesus Did! 'The Lord Needs It!' — Luke 19:28-35

Friday, November 10, 2023

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After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. "Go into that village over there," he told them. "As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, 'Why are you untying that colt?' just say, 'The Lord needs it.'"

So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, "Why are you untying that colt?"

And the disciples simply replied, "The Lord needs it." So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.

— Luke 19:28-35 NLT

Key Thought

What an attitude! If the Lord needs it, I'll offer it. If the Lord wants it, I'll do it. No questions asked. No explanation needed. No hesitation found. We've seen a rich man turn back from following Jesus because the Lord told him to do something he wouldn't do. [1] That is not the case here. "The Lord needs it!" Such a simple explanation was met with an equally simple response - no words, just compliance. Little did the owners know that their act of submission and obedience to Jesus' need would bring about such a glorious event - the Triumphal Entry that is described in the following verses. [2] So the question each of us needs to ask ourself today is this: "What does the Lord need from me?" May our responses be the same as the unnamed owners of the donkey in complying with whatever Jesus wants from us.

[1] Luke 18:21-23.
[2] Luke 19:36-38.

Today's Prayer

God of glory and grace, my heavenly Father, please work on my heart. Do what is necessary to keep it soft and responsive to your will. May I always be open to whatever your Son needs of me. May I respond without hesitation. May you be glorified and your Kingdom be served in my willingness to obey. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 19:28-35 NLT — "The Lord needs it."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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