John 12:12-19

Be Still: Lord, this time is for you. Guard it and protect it. Let nothing get in the way of me being with you now. Amen

Read: John 12:12-19

At first the disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realise that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. (v 16)

Encounter: How often do we hear that hindsight is a beautiful thing? This is exactly what I imagine the disciples saying when they looked back, after Jesus’ resurrection, to the jaw-dropping moment when Jesus enters Jerusalem, on a donkey, being acclaimed by the crowd as King of Israel. At the time, they wouldn’t have seen the significance of the moment, for how were they to know that Jesus would go on to be crucified and then rise from the dead? 

We, however, have the gift of seeing this immense moment from the other side. To recognise how God is at work announcing the arrival of King Jesus for all to see so that they might believe before Jesus goes on to die. We get to appreciate this moment with hindsight - a moment within the overarching story of God’s love and plan for us and Jesus' victory of over death, so we can join in the chorus of ‘Hosanna!'

Apply: What seasons and times of your life can you look back on and see where God was at work -- how God was drawing you further in love with him? How he was advocating for you, or for your family, or your friends? If you 'journal', re-read some entries and rejoice where your prayers have been answered. Maybe there are some unanswered prayers – things that you are still contending for. I know I am still contending for loved ones to know King Jesus and, as we approach Easter weekend, perhaps that is strongly on your heart too. 

Devote: King Jesus, we praise you. Hosanna! Thank you for the gift of knowing you this side of your death and resurrection: for the faith we can draw from that. Help me to pass that gift of faith on today in the way that I love others.