Notes
The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. "Who is this?" they asked.
Matthew 21:10
As Jesus entered Jerusalem for what would be the final week before His crucifixion, the city was buzzing with questions. "Who is this?" they asked–not because they hadn't heard of Jesus before, but because He was arriving in an unexpected way. And Jesus responded not with explanations, but with actions—object lessons that revealed who He is and what His Kingdom is really about:
1) Donkey
As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. "Go into the village over there," he said. "As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,' and he will immediately let you take them." This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, "Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey's colt.'"
Matthew 21:1-5
Jesus entered Jerusalem not on a war horse, as a conquering king might, but on a humble donkey. This act fulfilled prophecy and declared peace. The people expected a political revolution, but Jesus came to make peace between humanity and God.
Jesus was showing that He had not come to overthrow Rome—He came to overthrow sin. He came first as the suffering servant; He will return as the risen King. God's Kingdom cannot be stopped, and He invites us to be citizens of that eternal Kingdom.
2) Perfume
Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. A dinner was prepared in Jesus' honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.
But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, "That perfume was worth a year's wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor." Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples' money, he often stole some for himself.
Jesus replied, "Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."
John 12:1-8
Mary anointed Jesus' feet with an expensive perfume—worth a year's wages—and wiped them with her hair. Her worship filled the house with fragrance. Judas called it wasteful, but Jesus called it preparation for His burial. Mary didn't hold anything back. Worship is about offering what we have: our gifts, time, and resources. Whatever God has placed in our hands can either be bottled up or poured out in worship. What are we doing with what we've been given?
3) Fig Tree
The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, "May no one ever eat your fruit again!" And the disciples heard him say it.
Mark 11:12-14
That evening Jesus and the disciples left the city. The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, "Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!" Then Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God."
Mark 11:19-22
Jesus saw a fig tree with leaves but no fruit, and He cursed it. The next day it had withered. He used this moment to challenge His disciples to bear fruit and have faith.
Many of us have the appearance of health—we have leaves—but no fruit. But fruit is what God desires out of our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Our fruit is what draws people to Jesus.
Jesus spent the time before His death demonstrating what matters: peace between us and God, worship, and fruitfulness. As we approach Easter, we reflect on what He taught and use our lives to point people to the source of life, love, and grace.
Group Questions
- What does Mary's act of worship in John teach us about giving and sacrifice?
- Are there areas in your life that have "leaves" but no fruit? What's one way you can beginc producing fruit that lasts?
- Which fruit of the Spirit do you most need God to grow in your life right now?
- How can you use what's in your hands—your gifts, your time, your resources—as worship this week?
Prayer
Thank you for showing us who you are through your actions. Help us to be people who walk in peace, worship you fully, and bear fruit that reflects your love. Teach us to use what we have to glorify you and lead others to you.