Daily Reading

Matthew 20:29-21:22: Psalm 25:12-22; Proverbs 6:12-15 We are reading about the Passion week - Jesus' last week on earth. He knew from the beginning what His mission on earth was and it is now nearing an end. So, what does Jesus do with His last week? The same thing He has been doing for the last three years of ministry - focusing on the people. To begin this week, Jesus enters Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, on a donkey. Why would He do this? Two reasons: One, to fulfill prophecy. Two, in those days, a king would enter a foreign city on a donkey when He was coming in peace & on a horse if He was coming in war. So, Jesus entering the city on a donkey was a declaration of His position and intent - He is the Prince of Peace. Notice, the people recognized this action & honored Him as a king. Once Jesus is in the city, He goes to the temple and throws out the merchants. See, the temple has become a place of corrupt businesses. Visitors to the temple were forced to purchase "approved" sacrifices and exchange money at inflated prices. Jesus restored the temple to it's original purpose - a place to worship the Lord. He then began ministering to the people. This obviously bothered the religious leaders, which points out their hypocrisy. They were not concerned with the greed & theft of the corrupt business men, but praise for a man who healed the sick & taught the Scriptures boiled their blood. The next morning, Jesus performs an interesting miracle. Why would He curse a tree? This was a parable acted out. The particular tree Jesus cursed should not have produced leaves without fruit. The tree is symbolic of the religious people who talk the talk, but never walk the walk. I find it was interesting that the disciples are amazed that Jesus was able to curse a fig tree. He's walked on water, healed the sick, raised the dead, calmed a storm, and cast out demons. How often do we doubt the power & ability of Jesus? Jesus reminds the disciples it's all about faith & prayer.