Divine Dining April 1, 2026 Devotional

LUKE 19:35-40 | ³⁵ Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. ³⁶ As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. ³⁷ Now as he was approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, ³⁸ saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” ³⁹ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” ⁴⁰ He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

This week we've emphasized that Jesus’ arrival creates three categories of people: followers who accept His Lordship, like Zaccheus; seekers who are open to it; and those who neither follow nor seek.

In this famous story of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, we can see these responses. The Pharisees are angry the crowd is using Messiah language to celebrate Jesus, for they have rejected His claim as God's Son and will soon seek to destroy Him. The disciples and many in the crowd, who have been healed, helped, or taught, are true followers, full of faith and excitement at what Jesus is doing and saying.

But many in the crowd are seekers. Now, seekers may be sincere, with real openness to possible commitment, ready to pledge their allegiance and submission once their questions are answered and their doubts removed. Or seekers may be interested in Jesus for their own purposes—they want to hear a phenomenon, they want His help with an issue, they are looking for amusement or             entertainment. In this Jewish crowd, many sought Him on the condition He would liberate them from imperial Roman oppression. They did not want a Savior from sin, a Lord of life and heart, but a national military leader. True salvation, and entrance into an everlasting kingdom, depends on receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord. The cheering crowd turned to condemnation when Jesus was arrested.

Jesus must command our agendas not just assist in them. Do you agree?

Gracious God,

May I seek Your agenda and Your purpose. May You command my life, direct my steps, and shape my desires.

Amen.