“Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; they open wide their mouth at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.” – Psalm 22:12-13

Scripture reading: Matthew 21:1-11

The Triumphal Entry marks the beginning of Passion Week. This is the period where Christ’s sufferings come to a head and result in His being severely physically and psychologically punished, followed by the most cruel and cursed death upon a cross.

You would not have thought of such an end when reading the account of His journey into Jerusalem, however. The future for Jesus could not have looked brighter. The Messianic expectation on the part of the Jerusalem population, inflated greatly by Jewish pilgrims from all over the known world, together with the crowd coming in with the Lord, proclaimed Him, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

But the bullies were waiting for Him. Throughout His ministry the Pharisees and Sadducees and even Herodians had been plotting against Him. And Jesus walks right into it… Or does He? For how could He ever honestly be deceived? He who knows all things, and He who fulfils all that was prophesied of old that He would do. Even down to the type and age of the animal transporting Him – an animal no other conquering king would want to be seen upon.

But let’s reflect also upon the fulfilment of our text’s prophesy. The enemy is opening his mouth wide to devour Him. And, in the words of 1 Peter 5:8, he is like a roaring lion, seeking to devour especially Him.

Suggestions for prayer

Lay before the Lord all His own who are worshipping Him today, and are so looking forward to remembering again His doing and dying for us. Ask Him to help us resist the evil one.

Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.