Matthew - Week 64

Instantly 

READ 

Matthew 20:32-34 

32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him. 

The two blind men yelled louder when the crowd wanted them to quiet down. Notice Jesus’ question whose answer seems obvious. One medical doctor has said that sometimes people want to be identified by their handicap and do not really want to be healed. These two wanted to see. Notice Jesus’ compassion, He “felt sorry for them.” Sometimes He healed by speaking a word; this time He healed by touching their eyes. Instantly they could see and followed Him. 

REFLECT 

This miracle revealed the desired result. Those healed followed Jesus. 

RESPOND 

Although these blind men seemed to know who Jesus was, sometimes Jesus healed those who did not know who He was. See John 9:1-34. The man blind from birth didn’t know who healed him and whether He was a sinner or not. He only knew He was called Jesus. If Jesus could only have healed His followers that would have made Him suspect. He even healed unbelievers. 

The Lord Needs Them 

READ 

Matthew 21:1-3 

1 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. 2 “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. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” 

It is not known how the owner of the animals would know the Lord and His need of them. Perhaps it was a demonstration of Jesus’ omniscience. Although as God in human form He didn’t express His knowledge often. On occasion Jesus used His omniscience such as when He saw Nathanael under the fig tree (see John 1:43-48).  

REFLECT 

Do you realize that the Lord Jesus knows every detail about you? Yet He loves you more than anyone else and died for you and the world.  

RESPOND 

With a fellow believer, read Hebrews 4:12-13 to be reminded of how the Word of God exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 

Riding on a Donkey 

READ 

Matthew 21:4-5 

4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 “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.’” 

Even kings rode on donkeys during peacetime. Horses were military animals. This passage cites Zechariah 9:9 and reveals how the Old Testament prophecies looked ahead to Jesus. Whereas the Old Testament looked ahead; the New Testament looks to the fulfillment of what was predicted. Psalm 22 is an example of this in that some of its statements are applied to Jesus at the time of His crucifixion. 

REFLECT 

Have you thought about the Old Testament predicting many events that occurred in the New Testament? 

RESPOND 

Join with a believer in reading Psalm 22:16-18. It was written by David and some of his statements are cited in the New Testament when Jesus was crucified.  

Entering Jerusalem 

READ 

Matthew 21:6-8 

6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. 8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 

This began Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Many people spread their clothes and branches from the trees on the road. This was a demonstration of honor and worship. It is doubtful that all were believers in Jesus because it would not be long until people would be crying out to have Him crucified. Many misunderstood and had thought He was coming to deliver them from Roman oppression. 

REFLECT 

Does your life demonstrate you really believe in the words you say? 

RESPOND 

Talk with another Christian about being sure not to say more than what you are living. Use James 1:22-24 as a guide. 

Hosanna 

READ 

Matthew 21:9-11 

9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” 10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” 

The words “Praise God” are “Hosanna” that literally means “save now.” Perhaps some only wanted Jesus to save them from the domination of the Roman Empire, but He came to save from sin. Luke 2:10 has the definite article (the) when it says there is good news for “all the people.” With the article, this is referring to the Jewish nation for which He was the Messiah. 1 John 2:2 reveals He also came to be the sacrifice for the sins of the entire world. 

REFLECT 

Whether you are Jew or Gentile you can thank the Lord that He died to be the sacrifice for your sin.  

RESPOND 

Notice in this passage that the crowds recognized Jesus as the prophet from Nazareth. It does not say they recognized Him as the Messiah. Today many think of Jesus as a good teacher or model, but they do not think of Him as God. Read 1 John 4:1-3 to see the importance of not believing every teaching. Note what the test is.