This Week: Apr. 13 - Apr. 19
Home Stretch
Matthew 21:1–11 describes Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem—the beginning of the end, the beginning of the fulfillment, the beginning of everything. Yet unlike the grand, well-orchestrated parades of kings and empires, Jesus arrives humbly—riding a borrowed donkey, welcomed not by royalty but by ordinary people waving what they had in their hands: palm branches and cloaks.
“Tell the daughter of Zion, look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey.” (Matthew 21:5)
It wasn’t polished. It wasn’t planned. It was powerful. The crowd couldn’t prepare a royal reception, but they gave what they had. In their simplicity, God’s kingdom was revealed.
Table of Contents
Key Points:
- God Uses What We Have – The people didn’t bring fanfare. They brought cloaks and cut-down branches. It was enough.
- Constraints Aren’t Barriers—They’re Opportunities – When we feel limited, we often get the most creative. That’s where the Holy Spirit moves.
- Look Around and Respond – Instead of being stuck in what we don’t have, let’s ask, “What can I do with what’s right here?”
5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Hosanna Moments
Scripture Reference: Matthew 21:9
"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!"
The people didn’t have much, but they had their voices. Where can you lift up your own voice in praise today?
Action Step: Speak—or sing—praise aloud today. Let your voice be part of God’s movement.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, I may not have much, but I give You my praise. Use it for Your glory.
"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!"
The people didn’t have much, but they had their voices. Where can you lift up your own voice in praise today?
Action Step: Speak—or sing—praise aloud today. Let your voice be part of God’s movement.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, I may not have much, but I give You my praise. Use it for Your glory.
Day 2: The Power of Spontaneous Worship
Scripture Reference: Luke 19:40
"If these were silent, the stones would shout out."
God’s kingdom doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. The crowd improvised—and God was honored.
Action Step: Find one way to worship God today that’s outside your routine.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, help me see worship as something living and responsive, not limited to a plan.
"If these were silent, the stones would shout out."
God’s kingdom doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. The crowd improvised—and God was honored.
Action Step: Find one way to worship God today that’s outside your routine.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, help me see worship as something living and responsive, not limited to a plan.
Day 3: What Do You Have at Hand?
Scripture Reference: Exodus 4:2
"The Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ He said, ‘A staff.’"
God asked Moses to use what he had. The people at the gates used palm branches. What’s in your hand?
Action Step: List three things already in your life that you could offer in service today.
Prayer Prompt: God, help me see the ordinary things in my life as tools for extraordinary grace.
"The Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ He said, ‘A staff.’"
God asked Moses to use what he had. The people at the gates used palm branches. What’s in your hand?
Action Step: List three things already in your life that you could offer in service today.
Prayer Prompt: God, help me see the ordinary things in my life as tools for extraordinary grace.
Day 4: Humble and Close
Scripture Reference: Zechariah 9:9
"Lo, your king comes to you; humble and riding on a donkey."
Jesus didn’t come with warhorses or chariots. He came low and close. He still does.
Action Step: Make space today to notice God’s presence in something small.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, draw near to me in humility. Teach me to see You in everyday things.
"Lo, your king comes to you; humble and riding on a donkey."
Jesus didn’t come with warhorses or chariots. He came low and close. He still does.
Action Step: Make space today to notice God’s presence in something small.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, draw near to me in humility. Teach me to see You in everyday things.
Day 5: Celebrating the Kingdom Today
Scripture Reference: Luke 17:21
"For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you."
We don’t need perfect circumstances to bring God’s kingdom near. We just need to act with love.
Action Step: Choose one way to love God, love neighbor, or love yourself today. Keep it simple.
Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, open my eyes to where Your kingdom is breaking in—and help me be part of it.
"For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you."
We don’t need perfect circumstances to bring God’s kingdom near. We just need to act with love.
Action Step: Choose one way to love God, love neighbor, or love yourself today. Keep it simple.
Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, open my eyes to where Your kingdom is breaking in—and help me be part of it.
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