Matthew 21:1-17

Be Still: Lord, I run to you now. In the silence, I pause to breathe. In the quiet, I still myself in your presence. Come, and show me new wonders in your Word. Amen

Read: Matthew 21:1-17

Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey’ (v.5)

Encounter: My son is 10 years older than my daughter, and occasionally he loves to cuddle her fiercely. The hug will start off quite innocently but then I see my daughter’s face slowly turn to pain and I can tell the embrace is becoming quite crippling.  I find myself shouting to him in the heat of the moment, 'Be gentle!'

In Matthew chapter 21, we read of Jesus riding into Jerusalem as a gentle king. He’s not forceful or overbearing - he’s lowly and humble - riding on the back of a working animal, a foal.

As with my son, who needed to be gentle, it is important for us to adopt the gentle attitude of Jesus. The only time Jesus describes his own character in the gospels is found earlier in Matthew when he says he is ‘gentle and humble of heart’ (ch11:29). Dane Ortlund, in his book, Gentle and Lowly, says, ‘Jesus is not trigger-happy. Not harsh, reactionary, easily exasperated. He is the most understanding person in the universe.’ 

This tells me that Jesus really loves sinners and greets them with open arms, not a pointed finger. It is such good news for us today because it means that God comes close to us, not to crush us but to cradle us, not to shout at us, but to save us.

Apply: Where, today, do I need to know the rule and reign of the gentle king? Maybe it’s for the grace to forgive - myself or others. Maybe for peace in the struggle to attain a certain standard, or rest from the pursuit of pleasing people. Jesus is always gentle with us, turning us back to him with love, even when we are hard on ourselves.

Devote: Thank you, Lord, that you are gentle with me. Reign in me today in all tenderness and compassion. Forgive me the wrongs I have done and lead me back to your open arms of love. Help me to be gentle with others as I seek to serve you and love your people.