Read Mark 11:1-11
What Am I Willing To Lay Before Jesus Other Than My Cloak And Palm Branches?
Jesus and his disciples were approaching Jerusalem and Jesus sent two disciples ahead of him to get a colt of a donkey so he could ride on it into Jerusalem. They found the colt just as Jesus said they would.
They brought the colt to Jesus and put their cloaks on it so Jesus could ride on it into Jerusalem. As he entered, people responded by:
1. Throwing their clothes on the road ahead of him.
2. Throwing palm branches down before him.
3. People shouted “Hosanna. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming Kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest Heaven!”
This triumphal entry was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9. It is known as the TRIUMPHAL ENTRY, only Jesus didn’t come on a horse signifying a war of blood, but rather on a colt of a donkey signifying peace where he would be shedding his own blood for us.
Palm branches were often used to celebrate the festival of Jewish liberation. How appropriate as Jesus entered Jerusalem.
Cloaks were laid out signifying honor and respect for Jesus. A gesture of reverence and submission.
We see how the people responded to Jesus when they recognized him as the Messiah. They did so with such great honor, respect, and praise. How do we respond to Jesus, the Messiah and King? What are we willing to lay down before him to show our utmost honor, respect, and praise? Jesus was willing to lay down his life for us. I believe he wants us to lay down our lives for him and follow him in obedience, in holiness, while testifying to others the name of Jesus.
Have you already surrendered your life to something else, or someone else? Perhaps today would be a good day to stop, to sit, and pray while asking God if there is anything you are holding on to that needs to be surrendered to Jesus and then shout with praise for what he has done for you and then follow him with your whole heart.
