Matthew 21:1-3…Ready

Matthew 21:1-3…Ready

21:1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage (and Bethany-(Mark 11:1)-Bethany was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, where Jesus performed the miracle of raising their brother Lazarus from the dead,-(John 11:38-44) and where Jesus frequently visited and rested-(New) on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once, you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, (Image the disciples thinking, of course they’re going to say something, we’re stealing a donkey-(New)  tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” (For Complete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Displays Jesus’s work of untying and setting us free to serve Him” ⇒ If God can use a tied up donkey, God can use you! Maybe your tied up in sin, maybe you tied up in addiction, tied up in arrogance, tied up in self-righteousness, tied up in worthlessness, God can still use you. We are all bound by sin and various struggles, yet there is always a way to be freed so that we can serve a higher purpose. Just as the Lord used a tied-up donkey for His divine plan, He can use us regardless of our circumstances. Perhaps you feel entangled in problems, burdened by weaknesses, or ensnared by sin know that God can still use you. So whatever ropes that are tied right now that’s holding you back from serving Jesus will you allow Him to loosen them?  (Notice the donkey which is the most stubborn and non-compliant in this story. Is the most compliant.)

“Displays the gracious invitation of the Lord, though He doesn’t need anything, He still employs us in His work” ⇒ You would think Jesus being God doesn’t need anyone or anything. And He certainly wouldn’t need a donkey. And even if He did, He could have just went “Puff” and an instant donkey. Doesn’t the scripture clearly teach the Lord made everything? “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3) Doesn’t it also teach that He owns everything, and controls everything?” For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” (Col. 1:16) There is a sense in which God can get along just fine without us. He doesn’t need our efforts, our money or our ministry. Yet He uses the likes of you and me. He has graciously chosen to involve us and make us part of His plan! But there is another sense in which He needs us. Think about it for a moment. When you taught Sunday School or gave your tithes or served as an usher, you were doing it for Him! He needed you to serve and you did. What a blessed thought, that God can use us.

“Calls for stepping out on faith in being supportive in whatever the Lord and the Church needs.”⇒ Whether it is through participating in community activities, offering our skills and talents, or contributing financially, every act of support strengthens the body of Christ. By embracing our roles with dedication and humility, we reflect the very essence of Jesus’ teachings—serving with a joyful heart and a willingness to meet the needs of others. Moreover, it encourages us to foster unity and collaboration within the church, reminding us that we are part of a larger family that thrives on mutual support and love. In doing so, we not only honor God but also create a nurturing environment where faith can flourish.

“Displays God’s sovereign control over all events (A God this detailed & accurate is a God you can trust!)” ⇒ Recognizing divine orchestration in our lives is crucial for understanding and appreciating the intricate ways in which God guides and influences our paths. This awareness allows us to see beyond the surface of our daily experiences and discern the subtle signs of His presence. When we acknowledge that every event, encounter, and challenge is part of a larger, divinely crafted plan, we are filled with a sense of purpose and trust. It teaches us to rely on God’s wisdom and timing, knowing that He is meticulously arranging every detail for our ultimate benefit and His glory. In moments of doubt or difficulty, remembering that we are part of a grand, divine plan can provide comfort and reassurance, reminding us that we are never alone and that every step we take is guided by His loving hands. This also stops and makes us think. If Jesus knows exactly every little detailed in advance, the timing, the people, the place, etc. How much does He know about me. We think Jesus it privy to our lives inasmuch as we allow Him into our lives. He knows about what we pray for and the things we bring to Him. But fail to realize that Jesus knows everything there is to know about us to the smallest details in both the past, present, and future. Jesus knows you whether you want Him to or not. He knows what you’ve done. He sees your heart right now. He’s sees what your thinking right now. He sees every secrete sin and ugly thought with perfect clarity. Even the things we hide and make sure no one ever sees. At the same time this can also bring great comfort in knowing that there’s nothing about us that will surprise Christ. Jesus is not going to say one day; “If I known you we’re going struggle and fall this bad, I wouldn’t have Saved you”. Remember Peter, Jesus said that he would deny Him three times, and yet Jesus still loved Peter and went to the cross for Peter after knowing all those things. This can be comforting to believers in knowing that Jesus knows every way you’re going to fail Him from this day forward, and He still loves you and will keep you forever!

“Teaches how when we follow Jesus things will go directly as planned, just as He said it would” ⇒ It’s when we don’t follow Jesus that our lives become messy. It’s when you don’t obey Jesus that’s when things start to go foul and off track. When we align ourselves with Jesus’ teachings, our paths become clear and purposeful. It is only when we stray that life’s complexities and challenges arise. Obeying His word ensures that our journey remains steady and unwavering.

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches when Jesus calls and Jesus sends, we can be assured it’s going to work out because He is in it!

Teaches how we can expect divine intervention to show up at the right time and the right place when we need it most.

Teaches how nothing should be too dear to part with in our service for the Lord!

Teaches anything you place in the Lord’s hands, no matter how small or insignificant, He can bless it and use it.

Teaches when you do what the Lord asks and what He has provided you, His will gets done, one way or another. Our obedience is the success no matter the outcome.

Reminds believers if we’re ever blessed it’s not because we earned it or deserved it. It’s because the Lord arranged it.

Teaches how Jesus will always give us the right words to ease any tension and misunderstanding.

Displays how every creation of God has a unique and meaningful purpose. Each person and creature is important to God. Even a donkey plays an important role. This is a great reminder that God can use any person or animal to further His kingdom.

Displays what the Lord predicts will play out exactly as He says.

Teaches when we go out in the name and reputation of the Lord it will succeed.

Teaches how we need to be accessible and usable whenever God has need of us.  We have to be at the right place and the right time when God is moving.

This is not saying that we can start borrowing things in Jesus’ name and then return them when we want.

Will you trusts that what God commands, God provides. The disciples didn’t make up excuses, they didn’t ask questions, they didn’t push back, they didn’t delay, they just went. And that’s the same kind of faith that we need as well. When we embrace such unwavering faith, we unlock the extraordinary blessings that God has planned for us. It’s about letting go of our doubts and fears, and boldly stepping out, knowing that Jesus has equipped us with everything we need to succeed. Just as the disciples followed Jesus’ commands without hesitation, we too must learn to trust in His divine provision.  Remember, God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. So, step out in faith, embrace His guidance, and watch how He works wonders in your life. What a blessed thought – that God can use us in His grand, divine plan.

Jesus’ choice of a donkey is not just to match the prophetic vehicle, but to fulfill the prophetic promise of a type of messianic king. It’s like driving up in a red car, not only because a red car was prophesied, but also because a red car is not a tank.