We will return to our series on the Prodigal Sons with Keller next week. I didn’t do Paige this year because I’ve found that it is hard for this group to change to begin in the middle of the week. But last week, when snowstorms crippled much of our nation, Paige cancelled her lecture and left her first and second weeks lecture up until Wednesday night. So what we are going to do is to watch Paige’s 1st lecture in segments, knowing she will take her lecture down Wednesday evening. Then we will look at the passage she covered. I know it is a bit backward to listen to the message first, but that is what we will do, for as usual, Paige was wonderful. See Paiges’s lecture below. She teaches for 66 minutes, so if you do about 22 minutes a day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you’ll have it. Then we will look at the passage. Backward, I know, but that’s how we will do it, as she is taking her lecture down Wednesday night.
Sunday:
How have you experienced the power or the presence of God this week?
Monday:
Watch the first 22 minutes and share what stands out to you and why.
Tuesday:
Watch the middle 22 minutes and do the same.
Wednesday:
Watch to the end and do the same
Thursday/Friday: Matthew 21:1-11
- What stands out to you upon first reading and why?
- In her 2nd week, Paige said the only one who knew this was His final week was Jesus. What was on His “bucket list?”
- Read again verses 1-3. Who can do this kind of thing?
- Read Revelation 19:11-16 and describe how Jesus will come when He returns.
- Why do you think at His first coming He chose the foal of a donkey?
- Read again Matthew 21:4-5. Do you think that this prophecy might have been one He showed the two on the road to Emmaus? If so, why?
- Read again Matthew 21:6-11
- Describe the scene
- Why were they so excited? From what did they think He was coming to deliver them?
- What do you learn in verse 10?
- Compare this with Acts 26:26. What similarity do you see? Significance?
- What question is being asked in Matthew 21:10?
- Who do you say Jesus us?
- How is He King in your daily life?
- Where are you still holding onto the reins? How is this hurting you?
Saturday:
- What is your take-a-way and why?
92 comments
Thank you, Dee!
Sunday:
How have you experienced the power or the presence of God this week?
I see His presence in the faces of the young children who came this week to our monthlyParents Night Out. Their youthful exuberance and childlike trust reminded me of the faithfulness of God through every season of life. I can be their great-grandma agewise (smile) now. They bring back sweet memories when I was their age, and how he has brought me this far. In terms of God’s power, I have sensed His strength in my spirit in keeping discouragement at bay. So many trials affecting those I love. I focus on His truth and “take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ”.
So thankful for your time with these precious children, Bing. This is so good: I focus on His truth and “take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ”.
Watch the first 22 minutes and share what stands out to you and why. She pointed out that the donkey colt didn’t rebel against Jesus riding it. That all this was going to happen as planned. The king completely in control. I think of humility but He was in control every moment. What a Savior,
I too loved that observation, Judy!
1. How have you experienced the power or the presence of God this week?
I am feeling the silence of Him in this season. Life is hard. But, I have loved seeing the beautiful snow (30+ in!) and knowing that we will recover from our drought of the last year. Mother Earth repairs herself…thank You Lord!
Such a good word, Laura. His silence speaks volumes if only we take the time to listen. I’ve also sensed the wonder of the snow this weekend, though we didn’t get as much as predicted here in coastal Virginia. Where do you live, Laura? I’m forgetting. 30 + inches is a lot!
Missy, so nice to see you here! I live in New Hampshire. Hope all is well.
What a good way to look at 30 inches of snow, Laura!
I’m from Florida 😉!
🙂
How have you experienced the power or the presence of God this week? I have had quiet, but important answers to prayer. Thankful for the Lord being my husband. Our pastor’s sermon was on Being on the Presence of the Lord. Being in a quiet place and just enjoying His Presence and reading God’s Word, without the distractions of the world.
Sunday:
How have you experienced the power or the presence of God this week?
I was talking with my son about how I could not understand my DIL’s behavior and he said, “Mom, its only by the grace of God that we don’t all act like that.” He is so right. Thank you, Lord, for your grace each day.
Thank you, Dee, for the study with Paige this week.
Good thought from your son. Glad you are glad about Paige!
I have been listening to Paige since this series started, so good! I am going to be with mysister this week, because she is having surgery on 2/5. I’d appreciate your prayers. I’ll check back in with you next week. ~ cheryl
I will pray for your sister, dear Cheryl.
Prayers for successful surgery. Uneventful healing and pain easily managed
Father, please be with the surgeons and Cheryl’s sister this Thursday!
Yes, prayers for you nd your sister, Cheryl.
Cheryl, I pray that your sister’s surgery went well and that she has a speedy recovery. Such a blessing you could be with her.
Watch the first 22 minutes and share what stands out to you and why?
Who do you say that I am? He did all this to provoke this question. Jesus is the center point of all history. He is the King! Not just a prophet. Jesus is in Control of all of this. These are events that started in the councils of eternity with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit ordaining that they would love and save people, even those who would reject them. It was Sovereign Grace, planned by His design and His loving purposes. He knows it means opposition and death. This is filled with Old Testament prophecy. It is an act of self disclosure. I love that she is pointing out in so many ways that there is nothing random about any. I love this, because I have never really thought about it this way!! He planned it all! He was not a victim.
I like that too. I think it is in week 2 that she said “He was the only One who knew this was His final week. His bucket list was to wake them up to who He really was.
These scriptures that I felt I knew so well, are opening up new and deeper ways to read these. Thank you for this great side trip, Dee.
1. Watch the first 22 minutes and share what stands out to you and why.
I’m enjoying listening to Paige again. I found it interesting her point about the never ridden donkey that Jesus rode into the city. She said that any other donkey would be going crazy, bucking and snorting. Not Jesus’ donkey. It is docile. It reminds me of paintings of Jesus on the donkey with flowers and birds and insects flying around. He is orchestrating all of this. He is in control. I have never thought about this point before; the docile donkey.
Monday:
Watch the first 22 minutes and share what stands out to you and why.
To know who Jesus is, we need to ask the question, “Who do you say that you are?” We need to study the Bible.
It amazes me that in Jesus 3 years of ministry, he gives us enough to study for the rest of our lives (of course his ministry truly began in Eternity with the Father and the Holy Spirit.) He is the King who controls, in charge of every detail. Jesus was not a victim, but went to the cross voluntarily-I had never heard the train story. The prophecy fulfilled on the donkey is incredible and cannot be fully appreciated unless you have worked with animals.
I agree, Chris! Enough to study for the rest of our lives and prophecy still happening before our eyes. I love that you have worked with animals and have extra appreciation for the calm donkey. 😍
Interesting about not being fully appreciated unless you worked with animals.
Watch the middle 22 minutes and do the same. He is King or He is nothing. Jesus condemns the half hearted and lukewarm belief in a Christian. Why? She is challenging me to look at my relationship with Christ. Where am I following Him when it’s convenient or partially following. Where do I lack zeal for Him or fail to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
How true your comment 3 years of ministry and Jesus gives us enough to study for the rest of our life. What a blessing that is to have His life and words to grow us deeper
Watch the middle 22 minutes and do the same.
Jesus comes in as the King. The crowds are acknowledging He is King, They shout out “Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord,” quoting Psalm 118. It is Passover. This is prophecy coming to life in front of them, written long ago. Some seem to realize that! When the Pharisees try to silence them, Jesus tells the Pharisees that the rocks will cry out of He silences them. He is revealing who He is. The only other time He was worshipped was at His birth.
We all have to have a response to “is it true”? Love the C.S. Lewis quote of Duncan~a lunatic, a devil, or the Son of God….he did not leave it open for one to say He was a good teacher. Responses to Jesus are hatred, terror or compote adoration. John Stott~ no moderate response to Jesus.
What will I do with Jesus in my life? My response is He is my King! I give Him all my love and adoration! I love these passages because they remind me of the power of the prophecies and the Kingship of Jesus. There is no in between! Love the “Mega-Chrish….Mini-Chrish” reference. Jesus is confirming their words and contradicting their hearts.
I love all of this lecture from Paige, because it, once again, validates in our minds and hearts, the true Power of God, the Trinity and the truth of the Bible and prophecy in God’s Word. All of this confirms the importance of really being in and knowing God’s Word .
You are all so enthusiastic about Paige I think we should continue with her. How would you feel about my posting at noon on Thursdays until she is done?
I think it is wonderful! I would be fine with whatever you do! It is a great pre- Lent study.
Would we abandon Keller? I love Paige but it stresses me out that she takes the sermons down so abruptly.
Last 22 minutes. I don’t know how this ended up here! So sorry!
The people were expecting a King. The scriptures talk about a coming Messiah, a King, the Son of David, a deliverer, and the Suffering servant. The people are looking for a king to fulfill their desires. They are looking for the kingdom to come right now and they all want to be part of it. The Suffering servant was identified by God, but all the throngs focused on the King.
There is so much in this last section, it could be a whole study.
Even the disciples only hear what they want to hear. They will not receive that He will be suffering. He is going to deal with them and not their immediate situation. It is about losing not winning.
Jesus’s Kingdom is not one of might, it is one humility, compassion, service and it is accomplished through sacrifice.
Their words are right, their hearts are wrong. They did not recognize the day of His coming. They would not recognize His coming, because He was not their kind of King. (Luke 19) On Friday, He gets rejection. We need reflection. We want our kind of God. We want our King to serve our idols of comfort, success, health, career……ouch! Paige is right, as she names the idols that we constantly turn to… do we go to God for our selfish reason or to Glorify Him? Who is the boss? He loves us, even though we are so selfish and so flawed, such sinners.
You will call His Name Jesus. He came to Save our Sins. He is coming to save from our real enemy, our deadly reversal of my heart.
The essence of all sin is self enthronement ~ I put myself where only God deserves to be and my only hope is that God sent His Son to be put in the place where I deserve to be. Jesus came to be the ultimate sacrifice. He is already God and King of the entire Universe. He rules everywhere!
What does He get for coming to sacrifice His life? He gets us. He sacrifices by choice so that we may be with Him for eternity. We could not make it on our own. Jesus did not come to fulfill our dreams, but to meet our needs. Our need of a Savior. He is already King. He create the the Universe. He did not have to rule, it is all His already and He rules it all. He do have to come to die. He gets you and me.
This John Stott quote is so good and so the essence of my sinful nature:
The essence of sin is that rebellious subjects put themselves in the place of the King. The only way they can be saved, their salvation can only come from a King, who is willing to put Himself in the place of His subject.
Good day my Mamas.
I’m so sorry I’ve not been showing up here like I’m supposed to. I really really want to, but school has been a lot. I have tests going on. I’ve written three, two left. The one I wrote today left me feeling faithless, like I was trusting in my own effort to have As, and not in God’s grace, which is true because I keep comparing how good I was in high school to how terrible I’m doing now. I read, or at least I thought I did, but when I eventually wrote my answers it didn’t turn out to be something the lecturer would like. And I was scared she would give me less than 10 out of 30 marks.
My faith is really shaking right now, and I’ve made a decision to reduce my screen time and make a positive sort of withdrawal from friends and things that distract me. I really don’t want to, but I don’t want to fail either. These are 4 units courses and even two BS can ruin my CGPA.
I don’t want to be someone who people would say is good spiritually and in every other area of life but is struggling academically. So please, I need your prayers dear mothers.
I don’t want to be full of complaints, so I’m grateful to God for being a 17 year old Law student in Year two, it was only by His Grace, I’m grateful to Him for stability in my health, I’m grateful for His provisions, I’m grateful for the people He has provided to help me academically, I’m grateful for you here, and I’m grateful for my family and the wonder He’s going to perform.
Please, pray for me. Thank you. 💜
Eunice, praying for God to lead you in terms of priorities. School takes a lot of time and effort. Come in here periodically, as you are able, so that we know how you are doing.
Oh Eunice — be easy on yourself. You are welcome to come and go.No pressure.
Amen to the other blog Mamas, Eunice. Please give yourself grace and all the time you need with your very important studies. I know we all will pray for you and your studies. 💞💞
Eunice, school is tough. You are only 17 and in 2nd year law! Wowie zowie! That is good stuff girl. I am proud of you. You know Jesus first AND you are a good student who cares about her work. He knows, He sees. “Breathe deeply and stretch” is what I tell my students. You do what you can do and He takes care of the rest. He is so good to us. No stressing! You got this! Thank You Lord for Eunice’s health. Thank You for her family’s support and her wisdom to know that she needs to limit screen time and focus on her studies. We love You Lord. Thank You for our sister in Christ, Eunice. Check in when you can sweet Eunice.
Amen, Laura! Beautifully said!
Lord, let your peace settle on Eunice. Give her wisdom, joy and confidence in what You are doing in and through her. In Jesus name
Monday:
Watch the first 22 minutes and share what stands out to you and why.
Her first two points:
He is the King (Jesus), who is in control. He knew what would happen before it did. Nothing took Him by surprise. Everything happened according to God’s design ( he rode on a colt of a donkey). He was not a victim. His entry into Jerusalem at a particular time, at the exact hour and moment, was planned long ago by the Triune God. There was no moral dilemma for God. Jesus came with a specific purpose. A fulfillment of prophecy by Zechariah. This is Jesus ‘ self-disclosure. He did it to provoke a question. It is also important that He entered at the time of Passover.
He is the King who came to confront. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people were saying, ” Hosanna to the Son of David!” It is the “king thing ” that bothered the religious leaders.
Wednesday. So much I can’t pick 1 thing. She pointed out that words at his baptism “this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” is from both Psalm 2, King and Isaiah 42 the suffering servant. God was putting that together because people were wanting a king to solve their situation. This is what I want to do now. I want a king to deal with my problems but not deal with me. We can treat Christ as our personal powerful divine assistant, but not seeking the healing we need from our many sins jealousy, resentment, complaining, etc. We dont really want Him. BUT even though we don’t want Him, He still wants us. He came His final week riding on a donkey to deliver us. He is King. The only reason to come to earth was for us. We were subjects who are self enthroned. I stole His throne. He came in royal reversal to take my place on the cross I deserve. When He comes on His horse to destroy all evil, He won’t have to destroy me because He already came on a donkey colt. I need a King and a substitute for my punishment and He gives me both.
So good, Judy. Yes, so many things.
FEBRUARY 4, 2026
Last 22 minutes.
The people were expecting a King. The scriptures talk about a coming Messiah, a King, the Son of David, a deliverer, and the Suffering servant. The people are looking for a king to fulfill their desires. They are looking for the kingdom to come right now and they all want to be part of it. The Suffering servant was identified by God, but all the throngs focused on the King.
There is so much in this last section, it could be a whole study.
Even the disciples only hear what they want to hear. They will not receive that He will be suffering. He is going to deal with them and not their immediate situation. It is about losing not winning.
Jesus’s Kingdom is not one of might, it is one humility, compassion, service and it is accomplished through sacrifice.Their words are right, their hearts are wrong. They did not recognize the day of His coming. They would not recognize His coming, because He was not their kind of King. (Luke 19) On Friday, He gets rejection. We need reflection. We want our kind of God. We want our King to serve our idols of comfort, success, health, career……ouch! Paige is right, as she names the idols that we constantly turn to… do we go to God for our selfish reason or to Glorify Him? Who is the boss? He loves us, even though we are so selfish and so flawed, such sinners.
You will call His Name Jesus. He came to Save our Sins. He is coming to save from our real enemy, our deadly reversal of my heart.
The essence of all sin is self enthronement ~ I put myself where only God deserves to be and my only hope is that God sent His Son to be put in the place where I deserve to be. Jesus came to be the ultimate sacrifice. He is already God and King of the entire Universe. He rules everywhere!
What does He get for coming to sacrifice His life? He gets us. He sacrifices by choice so that we may be with Him for eternity. We could not make it on our own. Jesus did not come to fulfill our dreams, but to meet our needs. Our need of a Savior. He is already King. He create the the Universe. He did not have to rule, it is all His already and He rules it all. He do have to come to die. He gets you and me.
This John Stott quote is so good and so the essence of my sinful nature:
The essence of sin is that rebellious subjects put themselves in the place of the King. The only way they can be saved, their salvation can only come from a King, who is willing to put Himself in the place of His
Patti, This is such a good recap of what Paige taught from this passage. I appreciate how you highlighted the richness of it and its application to our lives personally.
Amen!
Sunday:
How have you experienced the power or the presence of God this week?
—Sunday was a particularly meaningful time for me at the church we are attending. In the Sunday School class as the 85 year old teacher Marian was teaching about the Beatitudes God touched my heart with some particular truths about myself and I felt his presence. Then in the main service the pastor in his message emphasized the love of God for us. Several times he looked out at the congregation and warmly emphasized “God is fond of you.” Repeating that here doesn’t do justice for the heart of what he was saying and how he said it in the context of what he was teaching us about God’s love for us but I felt the presence of God and then the service ended with a Communion. Even in that the pianist did a beautiful job in her choice of background music that added to the worship experience for me personally.
I experienced that sweet presence of God on Sunday by being at church with God’s people and am grateful for it.
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday
—Having listened to Paige’s teaching this week and finishing it this morning as I look back over my notes the richness in this teaching of Who Jesus really is as King of Kings and Lord of Lords stands out so clearly. He came on Palm Sunday riding calmly on a colt of a donkey and he is often pictured in a very passive manner. The world is ok with Jesus as basically a nice guy but the reality is that Jesus was in control of that day and actually orchestrated all the events and was affirming and proclaiming his kingship which then resulted in great animosity towards him. But even in all of that they didn’t kill Him. As Paige taught He was not a victim. He volunteered and He chose to lay down his life and die in our place for our sin. And even in that He was still the ruling King.
In essence Paige said “He did not come to rule. He already rules everywhere. He was already God. He owned it all. He came to die. And the only thing He had after the Cross was me and you. That is all He left his throne for. We are the only thing that He did not have before the Cross that He had after the Cross was me and you. He rules by right but he sacrificed by choice.”
And the reason was because He loves me. He did it out of love. For Him it is all about us and his pure love for us.
So this week God in his magnificent grace continues to demonstrate and affirm his love for me.
I love Keller and I love Paige. I do think this format this week worked well and this teaching is timely as we consider Lent and the Easter season starting soon. My daughter in law loves Paige and I think she was shocked when I told her I wasn’t going to listen to this study before you decided to do it. Doing the blog study as well as doing a community wide women’s study here in Blanco and keeping up with personal study I just couldn’t add Paige to the mix. So I was delighted to see you switched to it at least briefly but continuing would seem good.
I love the “God is fond of you!”
And thanks for the encouragement on Paige. Pray I figure out the best way to do it!
Watch the middle 22 minutes and do the same.
This idea that we can’t kind of like Jesus is my gleaning. What about people who go to church on Easter and Christmas only? Aren’t they “kind of” Christians?
As Paige says, you can’t be kind of pregnant or kind of a Christian, but only God knows their hearts.
Tuesday:
It is interesting to note that whereas people are addressing Jesus as the Son of David, the Pharisees were angry and afraid because of what they thought Rome would do to them. Instead of accepting the truth and fulfillment of prophecy, they were only thinking of themselves. I was struck by what Paige asked of us when we hear the message of the gospel: Not is it nice or comfortable? But is it true? The triumphal entry is not a coronation nor a promotion. It is Jesus way of revealing Himself-His proclamation of truth. “He is patient, gentle, humble, compassionate, etc., but he is not modest. He tells the truth about himself.” You can crown me, or you can kill me; nothing in between.
A question to ask myself: Do I see Jesus as my absolute king? Or just like that, He is my shepherd, my bread? A non-response is a response. We are confronted with the truth and asked to respond.
a. He confronted the naysayers. The quote from C.S. Lewis …” You must make a decision when faced with the name of Jesus. Either He is the son of God or a madman, or even something worse. From Paige: The magnitude of Jesus proclamation about himself demands a full response. You cannot toy with it…”
From C.S. Lewis: three responses of people who have met Jesus: hatred, terror, or adoration. There CANNOT be a moderate approval.
b. He confronted the nominal. He can be useful for us as a shepherd, big brother, or a guide. But He would not be anything unless He is the king. We cannot be double-minded. Wow!
c. He confounds.
He confirms their acclamations. Passover was a significant time for the Jews. Jesus wasn’t bragging because it is true.
He contradicts their assumptions becuase He was dealing with their hearts and not just their words. I enjoy listening to the 3-year-old’s story of who Jesus is.
Question for me: Have I done the same? There is some Jesus, there is some of me, and then “create my expectations of what I desire Him to be. Powerful!
This struck me too, Bing. That’s the question we need to ask!
I was struck by what Paige asked of us when we hear the message of the gospel: Not is it nice or comfortable? But is it true?
Watch to the end and do the same
I lost my post! Ugh. I will try to remember.
He was not coronated. He IS the king. How dare Peter tell Him He wouldn’t suffer and die. That’s why He came!
His is a kingdom of sacrifices. Makes me cry.
He loves us. Or, He wouldn’t have done it.
Hi all, the judge has ordered that the guardianship remain in place. Our daughter is petitioning for a reconsideration (already). We do not believe anything will come of that but you never know. Please continue to pray for our daughter. She is a lost soul.
Wow, Laura! I am glad the judge ruled in your favor. Will continue to pray for Sara.
I’m so glad to hear this! Praise God and Lord please turn Sara’s heart to you.
What a wonderful answer to prayer, Laura. Praising God! I will continue to pray for your daughter.
Please Lord turn Sara s heart to You.
WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS! THANK YOU, LORD!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday:
Watch to the end and do the same.
Paige did such a beautiful job, especially in this last section. How very sad that the very people who shouted Hosanna when he entered Jerusalem were also most of whom were not praise him on Good Friday. Jesus confronted them with the truth of who he was, and in the process revealed what was really in their hearts. They want their kind of king. They wanted a ruler who would save them from Rome; they wanted their own kind of king. Even his own disciples had the wrong assumptions/expectations.
But Jesus did not come to rule; he was ALREADY ruling. He came to die for you and me. He came to deliver us from our self-righteousness, our self-enthronement.
I found that heart wrenching too, Bing. They praised Him one day, then turn against Him. I love how Paige they missed the real value of who Jesus was. They were blond and we are still blind. Lord, give clean hearts.
1. What stands out to you upon first reading and why?
I don’t understand why He needed the donkey and the colt. It never says what happened to the donkey. He rode the colt, correct? The never before ridden colt.
2. In her 2nd week, Paige said the only one who knew this was His final week was Jesus. What was on His “bucket list?”
I didn’t take notes so I can’t really remember. I guess this entry would be one though.
3. Read again verses 1-3. Who can do this kind of thing?
Only a person who is in high standing would be able to insist someone give their livestock away to someone they didn’t know.
4. Read Revelation 19:11-16 and describe how Jesus will come when He returns.
Heaven will open and He will appear on a white horse. He will wear a white robe, dipped in blood.
Laura — I never noticed that he asked for both and said bring “them” to me. Can anyone answer Laura’s question?
Prayer request:
Friends, I need wisdom for a conversation with our pastor and a member of the staff. This whole situation with our son and DIL has become a large mess and I believe it is spiritual warfare. The enemy is determined to have his way in their marriage and now to cause a raucous in our church which could derail our son’s good name, besides. My prayer is that my conversation with them will bring the Light to the situation and dispel the darkness. I am asking that the enemy run from this and that there is still hope for our son’s marriage as well as restoration between him and our church. Broken relationships are a poison that leach into everything. I am determined that the enemy will not win this one. Please pray I can approach this with truth and grace and that the Spirit would go before me and His Truth would be in my mouth. I pray also that God would be glorified and this marriage could yet be saved. Luke 18:27 What is impossible with man, is possible with God.
More and more I am realizing we need to speak the Truth out loud. May the enemy hear me and run!
Chris, praying for you right now. May the truth prevail. The enemy is within the church but he will not prevail. Just like you said-may we proclaim the truth and the enemy to run! I pray for us to wear the armor of
God daily and to be confident in the victory we have in Christ. Praying for the marriage of your son and your meeting with the pastor and a staff member. Lord, give Chris the words and the boldness to speak the truth in love.
Thank you! Good conversation and praying fruit comes from it. Also, that my DIL changes her mind and stops listening to lies from the enemy.
Will pray for all of this, dear Chris.
Chris, Amen to Bing’s prayer.
Praying in agreement with this prayer
Back off devil! I will pray for this situation. Lord do not let the evil one take over these lives. Help Chris’ son’s reputation with the church be healed. Please, Holy Spirit, guide her words with the church leadership. Thank You Lord for being our Savior. Thank You for being our protector. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Thank you all for praying. My conversation with church was good, unfortunately, my DIL sent my son a text yesterday after I had texted with her hoping for a chance to talk, saying she had filed. It feels defeating, but I know the Lord can still work. My son doesn’t have much hope left. I know our God can do great things. I might meet with her mom. The battle is so strong. I am getting my son into an appointment at Set Free Ministries-pray he follows through for the sake of his own spiritual health. Also, still fences to mend between him and church. Thank you and praise our Father for his great care for us.
Chris, this is heart breaking. I will continue to pray for the situation with your son and DIL.
Oh Father, please anoint Chris in anything she says, bring light to the darkness, and keep the enemy’s poison out. In Jesus Name I pray
Amen to Dee.
Thursday/Friday: Matthew 21:1-11
What stands out to you upon first reading and why?
I was confused at first with the donkey and colt. Were there two that Jesus sat on? I found a great explanation on it from a website on apologetics. I know that there are no contradictions in God’s Word, and I am thankful for the explanation of the author. Semantics does come into play. This is one of the many things I love about the Word of God; its truth will prevail, and the Spirit enlightens.
In her 2nd week, Paige said the only one who knew this was His final week was Jesus. What was on His “bucket list?”
On his bucket list was revealing who He is. I am not sure because I only got to listen to her second lesson once.
Read again verses 1-3. Who can do this kind of thing?
Only the One who is in control and omniscient.
Read Revelation 19:11-16 and describe how Jesus will come when He returns.
When Jesus returns, He will be riding a white horse. His name is faithful and true. He will be the judge and will wage war. He will have an army with him. Above all, on his robe and on his thigh, has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords.
Why do you think at His first coming He chose the foal of a donkey?
Perhaps to show that his kingdom is not what people expect. Humility vs. power, service vs. position.
Read again Matthew 21:4-5. Do you think that this prophecy might have been one He showed the two on the road to Emmaus? If so, why?
It could be, and could allude to the presence of these two men at Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem. It might also be a refutation to what the two expected of the Messiah in Luke 24: “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.”
Hello, Bing. I do believe semantics plays a part in the confusion. Also, it makes perfect sense that the colt would be accompanied by the mother as it was likely still nursing. They would not like being separated either way. Only by the Lord’s great care and control of all nature could he ride an animal that has never been ridden.
Bing — what was their explanation? Did you explain and I missed it?
Dee, I did not explain it in my comment. What the author said is that the word “them” could have referred to the clothes that the disciples put on the colt, rather than “them” referring to Jesus sitting on both the colt and the mother. They also mentioned that the colt is too young to be separated from the mother, so they took both the colt and the mother, perhaps, alongside the colt. This link is where I found the long explanation, including the prophecy in Zechariah, and hopefully, it will show up: without being “flagged” https://apologeticspress.org/a-donkey-and-her-colt-773/
Thanks, Bing. It made me think how often we think the pictures of the event represent reality — but maybe not. Maybe the mother was following along!
Thank you Bing! This was very interesting.
What stands out to you upon first reading and why? The blind and lame came to Him in the temple and He healed them. Because Paige pointed out they wouldn’t have been allowed there prior to the cleansing.
In her 2nd week, Paige said the only one who knew this was His final week was Jesus. What was on His “bucket list?” I don’t think I heard that.
Read again verses 1-3. Who can do this kind of thing? Only Jesus.
Read Revelation 19:11-16 and describe how Jesus will come when He returns. He ( the One called Faithful and True)will be on a white horse. With justice He judges and makes war. Eyes blazing and a many crowns on His head, His robe dipped in blood His name will be the Word of God. Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword to strike down the nations. On His robe is written King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Why do you think at His first coming He chose the foal of a donkey? Humility. He was not going to start a revolt. He was going to the cross in obedience to the plan.
Read again Matthew 21:4-5. Do you think that this prophecy might have been one He showed the two on the road to Emmaus? If so, why? yes. Because it pointed to Him and this had just happened and would be fresh in their minds.
6. Read again Matthew 21:4-5. Do you think that this prophecy might have been one He showed the two on the road to Emmaus? If so, why?
I guess? I’m not sure.
7. Read again Matthew 21:6-11
8. Describe the scene.
Jesus was riding on the donkey into Jerusalem. There was a big crowd following Him and they were taking off their coats and laying them on the ground to greet Him. They were cutting branches from the trees and laying them down as well. They were shouting and singing. They were singing hail to the Son of David! Praise God in the highest heaven!
Cheryl, praying your surgery was successful and that you feel the Lord’s great love for you as you recover.
Friday
As I read back through comments that have been made this week I wanted to acknowledge a couple of things. One is to praise God for his answer to our prayers for you Laura that you and your husband have retained guardianship of Grace and Cooper. It just simply seemed right that would be the judges decision. So grateful to the Lord! 😊💕
These next comments have to do with the donkey and her colt discussion. I think having grown up in a rural setting I understand what was happening and it really is an amazing demonstration of God’s control over animals. First of all animals like horses and donkeys were every where and very much part of society in an up close and personal way. In biblical times when you walked down a street or road you would have been encountering them all the time. They were as needful and useful to people then as cars are to us. Donkeys in particular were a beast of burden and it was how people transported their stuff that was too heavy to carry. The significance of Jesus riding a colt is that being young and still with its mother it probably wasn’t weaned and you just don’t separate them without both being very unhappy and resistant. The mother donkey most likely walked along with the colt and that would not have been or even looked usual. But it would not have been lost on anyone in that culture that he was riding the foal and not the mother. That is a significant thing because a colt that had never been ridden before would not normally accept a rider on its back but would have tried to buck anyone off. I have friends who “break” horses so they can be ridden. You never just go get on one and ride without it being “broke” and trained. It has to get used to having someone get on its back. That sweet looking donkey can actually be a very mean little sucker. 😳 So what Jesus did demonstrated the power of God over his creation in a mighty way.
My other thoughts are regarding your situation Chris.
I understand what a heart wrenching situation you are in. In years past we have lived through a similar situation and my advice is to be careful in how much you try to do and say. You said God can still work but I would suggest to you that God is working even now but it may take longer and be a lot harder than any of us ever want. And it may not even come close to turning out as you would like it to. But because you choose to trust God and are giving it over to prayer God will work for the good of those involved and for his own glory. It may be some years down the road before you see the hand of God having worked in ways you didn’t expect or might have tried to orchestrate yourself. He is trustworthy and faithful.
If you’d like to interact more about it my e-mail is bkjensen49@msn.com
Oh, Bev! Thank you for the great information on the donkey and colt. It is so interesting that you and Chris have had so much experience with these animals. I love all this discussion, it so enriches our study!
Thank you so much. I will.
Bev — I had hoped someone familiar with animals would share — this corrobates what Bing found out.
And such good encouragement to Laura and wisdom for Chris.
Oh. Bev! Thank you for the encouragement and the explanation of the donkeys. Bing’s research helped too. I can definitely see that the colt needed her mom. The garments were what were sat on (not the two animals).
I do agree about God and Chris’ situation too. He knows best and being patient is hard.
Read again Matthew 21:6-11
Describe the scene excitement, because Jesus was in their midst. Crowds, Jesus on a donkey/colt, their cloaks and branches spread on the road, people shouting Hosanna to the Son of David
Why were they so excited? From what did they think He was coming to deliver them? Jesus was reason for excitement. They thought he was coming to deliver them from Roman oppression.
What do you learn in verse 10? The whole city of Jerusalem was stirred and they were asking who Jesus is.
Compare this with Acts 26:26. What similarity do you see? Significance? In Acts the king was familiar with what was going on. In Matthew the priests and teachers were familiar with scripture and what was going on. Significance is that we can be presented truth and evidence and harden our hearts to what is right in front of us.
What question is being asked in Matthew 21:10? Who is this?
Who do you say Jesus is? He is Savior and Redeemer, Holy, Just,
How is He King in your daily life? I try to bow to His authority and make His ways the ones to live by, but I’m not completely successful.
Where are you still holding onto the reins? How is this hurting you. I haven’t got that figured out. It may be that I keep myself too busy to lean into abiding. Hurt would be I’m not bearing fruit that will last.
9. Why were they so excited?
He was coming to save them! They had waited so long.
From what did they think He was coming to deliver them?
They thought He was there to save them from the Romans.
10. What do you learn in verse 10?
The entire city was in an uproar.
11. Compare this with Acts 26:26. What similarity do you see? Significance?
He speaks of how everyone knows what happened to Jesus. I guess the significance is that it was well known what happened.
12. What question is being asked in Matthew 21:10?
Who is this?
13. Who do you say Jesus us?
He is the Messiah. The Savior. Lord of all.
14. How is He King in your daily life?
My world revolves around Him. I speak to Him constantly. He is beside me in everything I do. It has not always been this way, but I am not who I used to be (like Mary). I get discouraged and I don’t run to others (my mom, friends, husband) first now. I ask Him first.
15. Where are you still holding onto the reins?
I could do better with the health habits (eating and drinking and such) of my body. I still get concerned and try to control things.
How is this hurting you?
Well it isn’t helping, that’s for sure. I can feel like I am almost “there” and then I screw up.