THE SEND: Luke & ActsSample

Luke 19 ends with Jesus entering the capital city of his country, Jerusalem. It may seem strange that Jesus is entering the city on a donkey, but it's actually very significant. The prophet Zechariah predicted that the king of Jerusalem would come to his people in this way: "Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey–riding on a donkey's colt." (Zechariah 9:9). Righteous, victorious, but humble.

Notice what the people shouted when he entered - "Blessings on the King who comes in the Name of the LORD!" (Luke 4:38). The entrance of a King caused people to shout and sing!

But what does it really look like to welcome the King of Kings? Could it be about more than just singing songs? Because if Jesus truly is the King then he deserves our allegiance and our trust. And as we read these two chapters, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is surrounded by stories of people who are faced with a choice about where they put their trust.

Some people in these stories find it hard to put their trust in Jesus: A Pharisee wants to put his trust in his own good choices rather than accept his need of God. Followers of Jesus are challenged to act like trusting children rather than independent adults. A rich man chooses to trust in his money rather than Jesus' call on his life.

But some people find a better way to live as they trust in Jesus: A widow trusts that she will be heard by an unjust judge. A blind beggar boldly calls out for Jesus, trusting that Jesus could help him. Zacchaeus is willing to risk embarrassment and ridicule because he trusted that Jesus was seeking for him and could save him.

Trust never comes without a cost. Being willing to give up your independence or self-sufficiency and put your confidence in Jesus can feel like a huge sacrifice. But what could it look like in your life to follow the example of Zacchaeus, who didn't care how foolish he looked climbing up a tree just because he heard Jesus was passing by?

What parts of your life do you struggle to trust King Jesus with? Maybe it's your money? Maybe it's your future? Maybe it's your friendships? Whatever it is, there is no better life to live than a life fully entrusted to Jesus.

How can you take a step into deeper surrender to Jesus today? Where do you need to make him your King?