As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, He did so to shouts of "Hosanna, to the Son of David". This phrase was heavy with meaning. The word "Hosanna" is from Psalm 118:25. It means "God save us!" The declaration of Jesus as "Son of David" meant that they believed Jesus was the rightful king of Israel, heir to David's throne. The crowd was correct in both instances, but Jesus did not come to meet their expectations.

They wanted Him to save them from the oppression of the Roman empire. Yet He had come to save them from their sins. Jesus was the rightful heir of David's throne. He was the One to whom the throne belonged. From the prophecy in Genesis 49 that the scepter would not part from Judah until the Messiah would come, to God's promise to David that his offspring would reign on the throne forever, Jesus was the fulfillment. But His kingdom was spiritual. He is the King of something much greater and more lasting than an earthly reign. Allow this to remind you that God's plan is greater than we can imagine. His ways and His thoughts are higher than ours.

While in Jerusalem, Jesus spent a great deal of time at the temple. In this particular account in Luke, it is in the temple that Jesus witnessed people being taken advantage of by those overcharging for sacrificial animals and setting unfair exchange rates. This was during a time when thousands had made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem from far and wide to celebrate the Passover holiday, and these foreigners were falling victim to corruption. God’s house, which was intended for worship and prayer, was being utilized by men for selfish gain. When Jesus entered the temple, he put an end to the robbery with a passionate act and reestablished its purity.

The temple had a clear and holy purpose. Do you know that you too are a temple of the Spirit of the living God? That means you belong to Him! If the temple is His, it is for Him to determine what takes place on the inside. Just as Jesus exercised His authority to restore the temple’s purpose, He desires to get rid of any unclean, harmful thing that exists in you.

As you journey through life with Him, He invites you to accept His correction, to trust Him, and to obey Him. The One who created you knows your purpose, and is passionate about seeing it fulfilled. Make this your prayer today: Jesus, I accept the fact that You are God and I am not. I was created by You and for You. Today, I commit to pursuing Your ways instead of my own. With each decision, I put you first. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

CONSIDER THIS:

What are three areas of your life today that you need to invite Jesus to have His way in you?