Daily Devotions
Today’s Reading: John 12:12-19 & Psalm 8
Look how the whole world has gone after Him! John 12:19
On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus was not alone. A crowd hailed Him. Pharisees glowered at Him. His disciples wondered what was going on. Children sang hosannas. So where were you?
The crowd had heard how Christ raised Lazarus, and because of this sign, they came out to greet Him. Were you there? “I was,” says our Lord. “If you need to be assured and comforted … then this sign I give to you—My cross and My open tomb. I was there—for you.”
The Pharisees stood by, indignant. Jesus failed to honor their age-old traditions, so they hated Him. Were you there? “I was,” says our Lord. “I made the total and complete sacrifice for the sin of hate. Is there hate in your life? I have gone to the cross and come out of the grave so you might have life and love and peace.”
What about His disciples? They’re confused! Were you there? “I was,” says our Lord. “I accepted their lack of understanding so I could send them the Holy Spirit, who would lead them into all truth and give them the gift of faith. Are you confused? Draw nearer! I was there—for you.”
The children shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:15). They were imitating their parents, simply doing what they had seen. Were you there? “I was,” says our Lord. “I heard the shouts of the children. I was there to lead them deeper into My Word … to lead them from being trained to being the trainers. And I’m training you right now! I was there—for you!”
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, You were there—on Calvary—for us, and You have paid the price of our sins; lift us up, therefore, as a holy people so we may sing the glad hosannas of living under You and serving You all the days of our lives. Amen.
Response
In what ways are you still “in training”? In what ways are you a “trainer” of others?