Day #2639

March 23, 2021

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Mark 11:1-3: When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, [Jesus] sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” (NRSV)

This Sunday we enter into the holiest of weeks as we celebrate Palm Sunday. Jesus approaches Jerusalem, where he knows he will suffer and die, and as he does so he sends his disciples on an errand - bring me a colt. Can you imagine such a specific instruction? Jesus tells them what, where, and even how to respond if questioned. Can you imagine if Jesus suggested you enter a parking lot, take a red Toyota, and bring it to him? Oh and do not worry if someone asks what you are doing, just tell them the Lord needs it and they will willingly send it…immediately. I’m not sure about you, but I don’t imagine that would go over really well. 

Do you ever desperately wish for Jesus to give you such specific instructions? Often I have thought how helpful it would be if Jesus would just write an answer in the sky for me, or send a letter, or make a phone call, or some other way I would never miss. However, even though my requests will never be as important as the one Jesus sends his disciples to do, Jesus does still speak. Many times an “answer” has come through another follower, scripture, a settledness in my heart, etc. 

As we begin another celebration of Holy Week with Jesus’ final journey into Jerusalem and to the cross and tomb, I invite you to take a few moments to listen to how Jesus is instructing you. You will know it is him guiding you, for it will be in ways of love, mercy and grace that help to build up the Kingdom. Always. 

Blessings. And prayers.