Today we share a journal paragraph as a way to demonstrate how we can place ourselves in the scripture story and simply begin a conversation with Jesus. This excerpt brings the writer to an inner discovery of her motives, agenda and deeper longing within her soul.
In the crowd I feel absolute exhilaration as I watch to catch a glimpse of this Jesus. I have heard so much about him. I know Lazarus died, was buried and now is alive and walking around. My heart is bursting with hope. What might this God man actually do to free our people? Will he be like Moses? Even more than Moses? I want more than this life I’m living. I want Jesus to fix our pain, our mess. Fix it now, Jesus. Do what we ask of you. Make it all better instantaneously. We will worship you if you keep doing these miraculous things.
I don’t understand why you are riding a lowly donkey. It doesn’t seem fitting of your stature and the dignity you deserve. That’s ok, we will eventually get you what you need…
I’m beginning to feel the lure of wanting to make you popular, Jesus. I really have no idea clue who you really are. Who is this man who comes in the name of the Lord?
John 12:12-19 (NLT)
The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors 13 took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted,
“Praise God!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hail to the King of Israel!”
14 Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said:
15 “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem.
Look, your King is coming,
riding on a donkey’s colt.”
16 His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him.
17 Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. 18 That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign. 19 Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!”
For Reflection and Prayer:
What did you hear or noticed as you listened to the text? Have a conversation with Jesus about what you heard.
Place yourself in this crowd. Who are you? What are you witnessing? What are you thinking? What are you feeling? Is there anything you want to say to Jesus or do for him? What does he in turn say to you?
Where have you noticed Jesus coming to you? Journal what that was like for you.
Savor any consoling words or pictures God gives you. Simply rest in God’s presence.