SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 1:1-11
In Mark 8:29, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Even today, countless perspectives compete to define Him—some see Him as a great teacher, a wise friend, or a revolutionary leader. Yet, as we prepare our hearts for Passion Week and reflect on the events leading to the cross, we will come to see the true identity of our Messiah. My prayer is that as we journey together, our understanding of Christ and His work on the cross will deepen. May we not only remember what He did but respond with renewed faith, surrender, and awe at His sacrifice. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
For centuries, the people of God longed for their Messiah, waiting in great expectation. He was prophesied to be their King (Micah 5:1–4) and the one who would save them from their sins (Isaiah 53:12). Many had come, claiming to be the Messiah, seeking to overthrow the establishment—but none were the true Savior of the world. Then Jesus arrived. Unlike any who came before Him, He carried authority, compassion, and divine purpose. His words brought healing, His presence brought peace, and His mission brought hope. As the Passover approached and the streets of Jerusalem filled with people, their wait was almost over. The stage was set for the coming King.
In Matthew 21:1–11, Jesus begins His westward descent from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem. Even His mode of transportation fulfills prophecy, declaring His identity (Zechariah 9:9). As He enters the holy city, the people recognize this moment’s significance. They lay their garments before Him and cry out, “Hosanna in the highest!” Yet, while they rightly proclaim who He is, we know that in just a few days, many of these same voices will call for His crucifixion.
The question of Jesus’ identity is pivotal in understanding the events that unfold throughout Holy Week. The people of Jerusalem wrestled with who He truly was. The same is true for us today. As Jesus steps into His final days—interacting with those who will betray, deny, and crucify Him—He still asks, “Who do you say that I am?”
For centuries, the people of God longed for their Messiah, waiting in great expectation. He was prophesied to be their King (Micah 5:1–4) and the one who would save them from their sins (Isaiah 53:12). Many had come, claiming to be the Messiah, seeking to overthrow the establishment—but none were the true Savior of the world. Then Jesus arrived. Unlike any who came before Him, He carried authority, compassion, and divine purpose. His words brought healing, His presence brought peace, and His mission brought hope. As the Passover approached and the streets of Jerusalem filled with people, their wait was almost over. The stage was set for the coming King.
In Matthew 21:1–11, Jesus begins His westward descent from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem. Even His mode of transportation fulfills prophecy, declaring His identity (Zechariah 9:9). As He enters the holy city, the people recognize this moment’s significance. They lay their garments before Him and cry out, “Hosanna in the highest!” Yet, while they rightly proclaim who He is, we know that in just a few days, many of these same voices will call for His crucifixion.
The question of Jesus’ identity is pivotal in understanding the events that unfold throughout Holy Week. The people of Jerusalem wrestled with who He truly was. The same is true for us today. As Jesus steps into His final days—interacting with those who will betray, deny, and crucify Him—He still asks, “Who do you say that I am?”
