Sunday, March 23, 2014

On 3-30-14, Zechariah 9:9, 10; Matthew 21:1-11 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Triumphant and Victorious

Triumphant and Victorious
Zechariah 9:9, 10; Matthew 21:1-11
International Sunday School Lesson
March 30, 2014
                                                                                 


Commentary
By
Jed Greenough

Victorious, triumphant, yet gentle and riding a donkey with colt.  We love this image of Christ our King.  It comforts me as I write this during troubling times because it is such a pleasant image that is created in my mind’s eye.
The peace soon leaves me though as I know what Christ knows.  Just as He knew that a donkey would be waiting He knew what else would be waiting for Him.  He knew how quickly the cries of Hosanna would change to, “Crucify Him!” Matthew 27:22-23 
How does one so honored as in today’s scripture come to this?  We clearly know from the scriptures that follow in Matthew that the chief priests and elders conspired against Him (as in Matthew 26:3-5) because of what He taught (as in Matthew 23) and what they stood to lose.
These men persuaded the crowd to have Jesus executed (Matthew 27:20) and of course Jesus knew all this as the people honored Him as we read today.
Have you yourself ever been blindsided?  From out of the blue have you had a relationship that you thought was fine suddenly implode?  Has your life been turned upside down by having things leveled against you?
If you have you know what it feels like.  For some it eats away at you and can make even the best of us bitter and untrusting.
I feel with confidence that this is one of satan’s tactics against Christians so when it happens to you remember Christ and His triumphant entry and then what happened later.
The scripture says in 2 Timothy 3:12, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.  And what happens in the meantime, “…evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.2 Timothy 3:13 
Remember, this will happen to everyone who wants to live that life.  You may be making mistakes in your walk but you want to walk that walk.  Don’t give up, don’t get bitter.  Knowing it will come or being reminded after it has happened can help.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:1b-3

For Discussion:
1.      If it has been awhile read the remainder of Zechariah that being chaps 9-14.  It makes for interesting background when considering the leaders of the Jewish people at Jesus’ time.
2.      Discuss your mind’s eye image of today’s scripture.
3.      Discuss your thoughts on what Jesus was thinking.
4.      Discuss in general terms instances of persecution of varying types.
5.      Discuss being too quick to judge when someone levels things against someone.
6.      Can the damage ever be repaired?  What if the innocent are never exonerated? 
Upcoming Lessons
3-30-14        Triumphant and Victorious, Zechariah 9:9, 10; Matthew 21:1-11
4-6-14           Jesus Cleanses the Temple, Isaiah 56:6, 7; Jeremiah 7:9-11; Mark 11:15-19
4-13-14         A Messianic Priest-King, Jeremiah 23:5, 6; Zechariah 6:9-15, John 19:1-5
4-20-14         The Third Day, Hosea 6:1-3, Luke 24:1-12
4-27-14         From Suffering to Glory, Isaiah 53:3-8, Luke 24:25-27, 44-47 or Isaiah 53:5-8a; Luke 24:25-27


Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

2 comments:

  1. God Bless You, And I Thank You....Micelle Ryan, Tacoma Washington..

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  2. Michelle, Thank you and God's blessings to you as well. I hope you have a great lesson.

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