Living the Story

Scripture – John 12:12-16: The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This story – this scene – is so familiar to me, I wonder, how could the disciples not understand? Jesus could not make a clearer statement that He was the Christ. Again, that’s the great advantage we have over them. We know the story. Even as I go through this gospel of John so slowly – lingering over every few verses – I know the story. They were living the story. They did not know what would happen next. At the same time, I’m living my own story today. I don’t know what will happen next. I trust in the final, final end, Christ will prevail. In the meantime, like the disciples, I simply follow – whether I understand or not. For He is the way. And that’s enough to know.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep my vision lifted up today. I will follow Jesus’ lead, wherever it may take me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, give me strength and faith today. When I don’t understand what you’re doing, help me continue on the journey with you. You are the answer, even if I don’t know all the answers. Thank you for your grace and patience.