Holy Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11
“The Prophet and Savior Who Was to Come”
- Introduction
Have you ever been visited by a long-time friend? How did you receive them?
Someone who has not been in touch with you always tells you when they want to visit.
The Bible shows that some people were excited to receive visitors, even if it was the first time to meet them. Being wise and the richest king, Solomon was visited by many leaders and people who wanted to learn about his wisdom. (1 Kings 10:1-13).
But Jesus’ visit to Jerusalem in Matthew 21 reminds Carson and Mount Hope and all Christians of Christ, an extraordinary person and not a mere visitor. Jesus is our long-awaited King, Prophet and Savior of the world.
Scripture Application
Jesus prophetic message to two disciples
Jesus sent two disciples with a clear instruction.
He told them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her, untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ ”
This happened the last week of Jesus’ ministry. He is about to experience the most horrible death on the cross before His resurrection and ascension to heaven.
Although Jesus’ command to these disciples is clear, it was difficult too. Imagine how you would feel if asked to take away things that do not belong to you. But they trusted and obeyed Jesus, went to the village and brought both the donkey and her colt. This brings us to the question: What is Jesus asking you here in Carson or Mount Hope to do in this Lenten season? When last did you hear Him giving you instructions?
Jesus’ glory acknowledged and celebrated
Matthew 21 reveals that the disciples “put their cloaks on them” before Jesus “sat on them.” Then “a very large crowd spread clocks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.”
This not only shows how excited people were but also the only time when Jesus’ glory was acknowledged and celebrated. People rejoiced because Jesus, the prophet who was to come according to Deuteronomy 18:15-18, was finally here. He is the King and Savior of the world.
Applying Jesus’ Entry to Jerusalem Today
What does this mean for all Christians and unbelievers today?
It means we need to celebrate this Palm Sunday and Jesus, the Prophet who was to come and Savior, because of the salvation He brought to us. We also need to allow Jesus to lead and guide us in everything we do.
A farmer struggling to find markets and buyers or experiencing financial loss calls upon Jesus to reveal to them what to do.
A building engineer wanting to be famous and give the best to the community seeks Jesus for wisdom.
A medical professional listens to what Jesus has to say as they attend to patients.
You decide to allow Jesus to lead and guide you.
Conclusion
Jesus, the Prophet and Savior who was to come, has a message for all the people on earth. He wants everybody to be His follower and take a step to obey His instruction, like the two disciples. This is the only true celebration of Palm Sunday and Lenten season.
How do we do what Jesus says?
Steps to obey Jesus:
Recognize our insufficiency without Jesus: Jesus came to give us life and cater for everything we need. (John 14:6; 15:5).
Be the word doers: Put in action what God’s word says (James 1:22; Mt. 7:24; Luke 11:28)
Seek God’s guidance in prayer: God know knows all things and has solution for everything (Jer. 33:3; Habak. 2:1).
Surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leadership: Listen and heed to every divine instruction (Gal. 5:25; Rom. 8:6, 14).
Closing Invitation
Unlike other prophets, Jesus came as the Prophet and Savior to save the world, lead those who choose to follow Him and become King. So, the question today is: Have you said yes to Jesus? If yes, it’s great. The next question is, What is Jesus asking you to do in 2026? Are you doing it? Ask Him to help you do what He wants.