Introduction

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. -James 3:17

As Jesus knew the end was near, He did a lot of teaching and sharing on this day. I often think about the line from the Hamilton song, “Why do you write like you are running out of time?”  I feel this was Christ. He still saw a people who were confused and lost. The wealth of love, compassion and truth shared as He went about Jerusalem just is tear inducing as He is trying to explain to the people to Seek God, for the end is near. You can hear the urgency in his parables-those parables that He is still telling us today!

If you have time today, read Matthew 21-25 and spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to point out new truths this Holy Week. There is so much wisdom from that section of scripture the week leading to His death such as The Greatest Commandment, The Parable of the Talents, The Parable of the Wedding Feasts, Warnings about staying awake and so much more.

Today, we zoom in on Jesus’ compassion for Israel and as well as us. Matthew records a moment where Jesus is overcome with grief and sorrow for the people.

Lament over Jerusalem
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood punder her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” -Matthew 23:37-39

Charles Spurgeon says of this verse:

What a picture of pity and disappointed love the King’s face must have presented when, with flowing tears, he uttered these words! What an exquisite emblem he gave of the way in which he had sought to woo the Jews to himself: “How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings “What familiar tenderness! What a warm Elysium of rest! What nourishment for the feeble! What protection for the weak! Yet it was all provided in vain: “How often would I have gathered thy children together…. and ye would not!” Oh, the awful perversity of man’s rebellious will! Let all the readers of these lines beware lest the King should ever have to utter such a lament as this over them. Charles H. Spurgeon, The Gospel of the Kingdom: a popular exposition of the Gospel according to Matthew

Adoration

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD.
The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us.
Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! – Psalm 118:26-27

Oh Compassionate Father God, your love for us is unimaginable. A God who would come to earth and die for his people is unfanthomable to grasp! You are Pure and Holy! May we worship and Honor you today!  Amen.

Confession

“O God, you know us well. We are quick to speak of faith, but slow to live it completely. We shout “hosanna” as Jesus approaches, and yet we hold back parts of ourselves from You … O God, you know us well. We are quick to claim faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but we are fickle, slow to live fully as faithful disciples. We know where we fail … O God, you know us well. We are quick to want the blessings of faithfulness, but we are slow to accept the cost of authentic Christlike living. Forgive our weakness and fear … Lord, You are God. You bring light to those in darkness, forgiveness to those who truly confess, and pardon to all who seek to follow Jesus. We rejoice that  Your steadfast love endures forever and ever. In the name of Jesus Christ, we receive the love that never dies and never fails. Amen.” – Missio Dei Confessional.

Thanksgiving

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God; I will extol you.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever! – Psalm 118:28-29

Father God, Thank you for your goodness! Thank you for your never ending steadfast love. Thank you for bringing us under your wings of love and protection just as a hen does. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for the cross. Thank you for our salvation. When we sing, “Hosanna,” thank you for hearing us! Thank you for not blotting us out! thank you for your glorious plan that brought us to you! We love you God! In your Holy name we pray, Amen.

Supplication

Local Church
Pray that your local church continues to be a light for the community, that the church shares the love of God to the ends of the earth. Pray that the local church becomes a new home for many this Easter Sunday! Pray that those within the church who are sick stay healthy. Pray for our church members who are hurting during this season in life that they are able to find comfort in your arms.

Community

Pray for your community, that the lost are found and the found grow closer to the Lord. Pray that kindness between community members reign supreme and that peacemakers step forth to be a light for Christ in the everyday battles of darkness. Pray for finances throughout the community and those that hurt.

World
Pray for the Ukraine/Russia Conflict. Pray for softening of hearts, persevering of the saints, provisions and safety of civilians, God’s glory to be shown throughout the war. Pray that as tensions continue to grow, that communication would strengthen and compromises would be made. Pray that those displaced can return home soon. Pray for the financial consequences of war on society that God continues to meets the needs of His people. Pray for those who are hurting internationally and nationally. Pray for the missionaries carrying out the message of God. Pray for the violence in Israel to be stopped.