Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:1-11 

1 They were near Jerusalem and had come to the town of Bethphage at the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two followers on ahead. 2 He said to them, "Go to the town over there. You will find a donkey tied and her young with her. Let them loose and bring them to Me. 3 If anyone says something to you, say, 'The Lord needs them.' He will send them at once."

 4 It happened as the early preacher said it would happen, saying, 5 "Say to the people in Jerusalem, 'See! Your King is coming to you. He is gentle. He is riding on a young donkey.' " (Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 62:11)

 6 The followers went and did as Jesus told them. 7 They brought the donkey and her young one. They put their clothes on the donkey and Jesus sat on them. 8 Many people put their coats down on the road. Other people cut branches from the trees and put them along the way. 9 The people who went in front and those who followed Jesus called out, "Greatest One! The Son of David! Great and honored is He Who comes in the name of the Lord! Greatest One in the highest heaven."

 10 When Jesus came into Jerusalem, all the people of the city were troubled. They said, "Who is this?" 11 Many people said, "This is Jesus, the One Who speaks for God from the town of Nazareth in the country of Galilee."  Jesus Stops The Buying And The Selling In The House Of God

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7

6 I gave My back to those who hit Me, and My face to those who pull out the hair on my face. I did not cover My face from shame and spit. 7 For the Lord God helps Me, so I am not put to shame. I have set My face like hard stone, and know that I will not be ashamed.

Meditation: Does the King of glory find a welcome entry in your home and heart? Jesus went to Jerusalem knowing full well what awaited him -- betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion. The people of Jerusalem, however, were ready to hail him as their Messianic King! Little did they know what it would cost this king to usher in his kingdom. Jesus enters Jerusalem in meekness and humility, as the Messianic King who offers victory and peace to his people. That victory and peace would be secured in the cross and resurrection which would soon take place at the time of Passover.

 Psalm 24 is another prophetic passage which echoes this triumphal procession of the King of glory: Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors!  that the King of glory may come in. Jesus Christ came to bring us the kingdom of God. He is the true King who offers peace, joy, and everlasting life for those who accept his kingship. Does the King of glory find a welcome entry in your heart and home? Do your walls echo with the praise of his glory?

Prayer: "Lord Jesus, be the King and Ruler of my heart, mind, life, and home. May my life reflect your meekness and humility that you may be honored as the King of glory!"

Psalm 24:3-10

3 Who may go up the mountain of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place?
 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart. He who has not lifted up his soul to what is not true, and has not made false promises.
 5 He will receive what is good from the Lord, and what is right and good from the God Who saves him.
 6 Such is the family of those who look for Him, who look for Your face, O God of Jacob.

 7 Lift up your heads, O gates. And be lifted up, O doors that last forever. And the King of shining-greatness will come in.

 8 Who is the King of shining-greatness? The Lord strong and powerful. The Lord powerful in war.
 9 Lift up your heads, O gates. Lift them up, O doors that last for-ever and the King of shining-greatness will come in.
 10 Who is the King of shining-greatness? The Lord of All. He is the King of shining-greatness.