Ministries
Care + Counseling
Groups
fpKIDS
fpStudents
fpWorship
Missions
Get weekly updates about what’s happening at Faith Promise Church.
10740 Faith Promise Lane | Knoxville, TN 37931 | [email protected] | (865) 251-2590
TODAY’S READING
Luke 19:29-40 (NIV)
29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”
35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:
38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
DEVOTIONAL
Imagine standing in the crowd during this moment, the air buzzing with anticipation and the ground beneath you covered in cloaks and palm branches. What would you have felt in that moment of celebration mixed with an underlying sense of mystery? How do you think this pivotal event in the Easter story, a blend of jubilation and somber foreshadowing, parallels with our mission today? Could the stones point to something missing in our own voice? In this blog post, we will explore these questions and uncover the profound symbolism and lessons from the Triumphal Entry that can inspire us to “win our world” for Christ with intention, worship, and storytelling.
The Triumphal Entry, a pivotal event in Holy Week, is a story full of both anticipation and celebration. Jesus is entering Jerusalem, not as a conquering king on a horse but humbly on a donkey. (He did this to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 – check it out!) Crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road, heralding Him as the long-awaited Messiah with shouts of “Hosanna!” Yet, amid this jubilation, the religious leaders told the people to be silent. Jesus responded with this: if the people were silent, the very stones along the path would cry out in praise.
The scene of the Triumphal Entry was a blend of wild celebration and a somber precursor to the events of Holy Week. The people’s act of laying down palm branches was a sign of honor and recognition of Jesus’s kingship, acknowledging Him as the one who comes in the name of the Lord. However, Jesus’s choice of a donkey, a symbol of peace, contrasts sharply with the expectations of a Messiah who would overthrow Roman oppression through military might. This juxtaposition underscores Jesus’s mission to establish a kingdom not of this world but founded on peace, love, and humility.
Drawing from this story, there’s a compelling parallel for believers today. The act of “winning your world” for Christ is a lot like the public declaration made by the crowd during the Triumphal Entry. In a world filled with noise and competing voices, the call to proclaim Jesus’s lordship is both a privilege and a responsibility. Just as the people used what they had—their cloaks and branches—to honor Jesus, believers are called to use their voices to make His name known.
The stones’ potential to cry out is a powerful reminder that if we fail to live out and share our faith, we’re missing out on being part of God’s redemptive story—a story so compelling that creation itself would testify to it if given the chance. If creation itself is ready to proclaim the glory of God, should we not be even more eager to do so? Here are three actionable steps to take away from the Triumphal Entry story:
Be Intentional in Relationships
Just as Jesus entered Jerusalem with purpose, we should engage with those around us intentionally. This means taking the time to listen, share, and be present in the lives of others, showing them the love of Christ through our actions.
Cultivate a Lifestyle of Worship
The crowds praised Jesus with all they had, pouring out uninhibited worship, telling the world how great God is! Make worship a daily practice, whether through prayer, reading the Bible, or being grateful. Let your life be a constant expression of worship that draws others to God.
Share Your Story
Everyone has a story of how they encountered Jesus. Sharing your personal journey can be a powerful way to connect with others and show the transformative power of Christ’s love. Remember, winning your world doesn’t require perfect words; it just requires a willingness to share your heart.
In embracing these steps, we join the chorus of those who have recognized Jesus for who He is—the Savior of the world. Just as the crowds couldn’t keep silent about Jesus, neither should we. Let’s take up the call to tell people about His love and grace. The message of Christ’s love is meant for us to share!
