Garments Spread and Branches Cut and Strawed - Matthew 21:8

Matthew the apostle wrote, “And when they drew near unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, you shall say, The Lord has need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell you the daughter of Sion, Behold, your King comes unto you, meek, and sitting upon a donkey, and a colt the foal of a donkey. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse eight of his book, Matthew shares how, “a very great multitude spread their garments … cut down branches … and strawed them in the way” where we read:

And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way;

others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

The verse reads, “And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way;. Matthew began with the words, “and a very great multitude” or “and a huge and large crowd of people” “spread” which means “furnished and strew” “their garments” or “the people's clothing and apparel such as cloaks, tunics, and robes” “in the way” which means “upon the path and traveled road before Jesus”. Matthew shared how the large crowd of people responded to seeing Jesus ride into the city upon a donkey by spreading their clothing in His pathway.

The verse continues, “others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.” Matthew added the word, “others” or “other people” “cut down branches” which means “struck down limbs which were tender shoots and twigs” “from the trees” or “from the surrounding trees”, “and strawed them” which means “and furnished and spread the branches” “in the way” or “upon the path and traveled road before Jesus”. Matthew wrote how other people within the crowd began to cut down nearby tree branches and spread them in the pathway of the donkey and Jesus who was riding upon it.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus' entrance into the city of Jerusalem upon a donkey caused a great crowd of people to gather. In their excitement of seeing Jesus come, they began to cast their clothing and cut branches and strew them upon the ground in front of Him like a “red carpet” welcome. All these things fulfilled God's plan for the “salvation” of man, and when people search these scriptures and see their exact fulfillment, their response should be to lay down the “garments” of their souls before Him and allow entrance of Jesus into their hearts. Let it be so today, and bless the Lord as He comes in.

Next time Matthew shares how the multitude cries, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

The Donkeys Robed and Jesus Set Thereon - Matthew 21:7

Matthew the apostle wrote, “And when they drew near unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, you shall say, The Lord has need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell you the daughter of Sion, Behold, your King comes unto you, meek, and sitting upon a donkey, and a colt the foal of a donkey. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse seven of his book, Matthew shares how the disciples, “brought the donkey … and they set him thereon” where we read:

And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.

The verse reads, “And brought the ass, and the colt, ...”. Matthew began with the words, “and brought” or “lead by accompanying” “the ass” which means “the donkey”, “and the colt” or “and the young horse”. Matthew shared how the “disciples” lead the “donkey” to where Jesus was.

The verse continues, “... and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.” Matthew added the words, “and put on them” or “laid upon the donkey” “their clothes” which means “the disciple's garments, cloaks, mantles and tunics”, “and they set him thereon” or “and caused Jesus to sit upon the donkey”. Matthew wrote how the “disciples” put their “garments” upon the donkey and “seated” Jesus on it.

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how the “disciples” began to understand the purpose for the “donkey”. Jesus was to ride into the city of Jerusalem, so they put their clothes upon the donkey and seated Jesus on it. This continued the fulfillment of Zechariah's prophesy in chapter nine and verse nine of his book, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes unto you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass”, and Jesus' disciples were used to help carry out this prophesy. God had a plan for the “salvation” of mankind through His Son Jesus, and when a person carefully observes every detail, prophesy and intentional act by Jesus, it should cause them to submit their lives to Him as “Savior and Lord”.

Next time Matthew shares how, “a great multitude spread their garments in the way”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

Jesus' Disciples Obey Him - Matthew 21:6

Matthew the apostle wrote, “And when they drew near unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, you shall say, The Lord has need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell you the daughter of Sion, Behold, your King comes unto you, meek, and sitting upon a donkey, and a colt the foal of a donkey”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse six of his book, Matthew shares how, “the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded” where we read:

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

The verse reads, “And the disciples went, ...”. Matthew began with the words, “and the disciples” or “and Jesus' students, pupils and attendants” “went” which means “left and departed”. Matthew shared how Jesus' “disciples” left to do what He said.

The verse goes on to say, “... and did as Jesus commanded them,” Matthew continued with the words, “and did” or “and produced, made ready and prepared” “as Jesus” which refers to “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate whose name means Jehovah is Salvation” “commanded them” or “assigned, ascribed, enjoined, prescribed and appointed to the disciples”. Matthew wrote how the “disciples” obeyed Jesus and “did” as He told them to do. .

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we acknowledge the obedience of Jesus' “disciples”. Jesus gave His “disciples” instructions from time to time, and unless they obeyed, what He requested would not have been done by them. God has His purposes and plan for the “salvation” of man, and He uses people to carry out His will. If they “obey” His “commands” as these “disciples”, He will continue to use them. If they do not “obey”, He will use someone else. God desires to save every person through a relationship with His Son Jesus, and all who come to Him in “obedience” He will “save”. May all who read these words “obey” the “command” of the Lord.

Next time Matthew shares how the disciples, “brought the donkey, and the colt”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

Your King Comes Sitting on a Donkey - Matthew 21:5

Matthew the apostle wrote, “And when they drew near unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, you shall say, The Lord has need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, ...”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse five of his book, Matthew shares a prophecy of Zechariah where he proclaimed, “your King comes … sitting upon a donkey” where we read:

Tell you the daughter of Sion, Behold, your King comes unto you,

meek, and sitting upon a donkey, and a colt the foal of a donkey.

The verse reads, “Tell you the daughter of Sion, Behold, your King comes unto you, ...”. Matthew began with the words, “Tell you the daughter” or “speak and say to the city's collectively of all it's inhabitants and citizens” “of Sion” which means “belonging to Zion which means a parched place and is the hill on which the higher and more ancient part of Jerusalem was built”, “Behold” or “lo and see or take a look”, “your King” which means “Zion's leader, prince, commander and lord of the land” “unto you” or “to the city of Zion”. Matthew shared the first part of Zechariah's prophesy concerning Jesus as Ruler, King and Messiah coming to them.

The verse continues, “... meek, and sitting upon a donkey, and a colt the foal of a donkey.” Matthew added the word, “meek” or “mildness of disposition and gentleness of spirit”, “and sitting” which means “and is seated” “upon a donkey” or “on an ass or donkey”, “and a colt” or “a young horse or offspring” “the foal” which means “the descendant” “of a donkey” or “of an ass or donkey”. Matthew continued Zechariah's prophesy by sharing the “humility and gentleness of spirit” of the Messiah as He rides into the city seated upon a “donkey” and it's colt”.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus fulfilled yet another prophesy from the Old Testament concerning the Messiah. Zechariah chapter nine and verse nine says, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes unto you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass”, and Matthew made certain to show his audience how Jesus fulfilled this prophesy completely. God had a plan for the salvation of man, and Jesus fulfilled every prophesy given about the Messiah. Those who are wise will understand that God Almighty sent His Son Jesus to “save” them from their sins, and when they yield their lives to Him, He becomes their personal “Savior and Lord”.

Next time Matthew shares how, “the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

That It Might be Fulfilled - Matthew 21:4

Matthew the apostle wrote, “And when they drew near unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, you shall say, The Lord has need of them; and straightway he will send them”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse four of his book, Matthew shares how, “all this was done, that it might be fulfilled” where we read:

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

The verse reads, “All this was done, ...”. Matthew began with the words, “all this” or “each, every, the whole and everyone of these details concerning the donkeys” “was done” which means “was performed and acted upon”. Matthew confirms once again why all these events were carried out in this fashion.

The verse goes on to say, “... that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, ...” Matthew continued with the words, “that it might be fulfilled” or “so it cause to abound, furnish, supply, render full and complete” “which was spoken” which means “that which was uttered, proclaimed, declared and prophesied” “by the prophet” or “through the one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming”. Matthew wrote how everything performed with the donkeys was the fulfillment of “prophecy” in the Old Testament.

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus once again is proven to be the Messiah and Savior sent from God. Every detail of this prophesy needed to be completely “fulfilled”, and Jesus carried out even the most minute aspect concerning the salvation of man. God sent His Son Jesus to the earth to be sacrificed upon the cross for the sins of every person, and when they yield their lives to Him as a personal “Savior and Lord”, they begin to know what He did to bring “salvation” to their souls.

Next time Matthew shares how, “tell the daughter of Sion, Behold, your King comes … sitting on a donkey”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

The Lord's Need for a Donkey - Matthew 21:3

Matthew the apostle wrote, “And when they drew near unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse three of his book, Matthew shares how Jesus told them to say, “the Lord has need of them” where we read:

And if any man say ought unto you, you shall say,

The Lord has need of them; and straightway he will send them.

The verse reads, “And if any man say ought unto you, you shall say, ...”. Matthew began with the words, “and if any man” or “and whether any person whether male or female” “say ought” which means “utters, declares and proclaims some certain thing” “unto you” which refers to “to the two disciples”, “you shall say” which means “the disciples were to respond and answer with the following”. Matthew shared how Jesus gave instructions to His disciples if they encountered anyone who asked them what they were doing with the donkeys.

The verse continues, “... The Lord has need of them; and straightway he will send them.” Matthew added the words, “the Lord” or “the One to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “has need” which means “has occasion, business, want and desire” “of them” which refers to “of the two donkeys”. Matthew wrote how Jesus told His disciples to explain to the ones questioning them that He needed them.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus anticipated the reaction of people when the two disciples would “unloose and set free” the donkeys. We might imagine how we would question someone who was loosing our donkeys if we were the owners of them. God's plan of salvation for mankind is being revealed through these scriptures, and because He desires a relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, even the answers that are to be given to those who question are provided in advance. Let all who read these words discover God's detail in the plan of “salvation” for people to be “forgiven” for their sins.

Next time Matthew shares how, “all this was done, that it might be fulfilled”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.