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NIV is used unless otherwise noted.



Footsteps of Jesus

"Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt."
John 12:15


My favorite Sunday, each and every year, is Easter. I love the celebration. My heart and God’s house is full. I look forward to a morning of worship like no other. Every Easter I know that I am proclaiming that Jesus is ALIVE. Because of the importance of Easter Sunday, I don’t want this day to slip up on me. I want to be ready for it. 

I like to meditate on Jesus’ last week on earth as God in flesh. I like to consider where He was each day, the steps He took from riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, to the steps He took out of that tomb. I get to experience the joy and power of my Risen Savior tenfold when I have spent the entire week with Him. I want to experience Him just like those who said to Philip in John12:21, “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”

Jesus and his followers were headed to Jerusalem for the Passover. The crowd took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Blessed is the King of Israel!” (John 12:13). 

I have often wondered why Jesus chose to ride in on a donkey. In those days a king would ride into a town on a donkey to symbolize that he came in peace. Jesus also fulfilled prophecy upon entering the city. Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). This crowd thought Jesus was entering as an earthly king who would fight. The people there did not realize this gentle Savior was ushering in peace for our souls. 

Let’s put ourselves in the faces of the crowd. This miracle worker and teacher had to come to save Israel. From the Romans, from abuse, from themselves. The crowd is on edge with anticipation and excitement as to what this man is about to do. 

Jesus, we want to experience You as we think about Your great love and sacrifice this week. 

Julie Smith
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