Reflection

So the disciples and the crowds recognise who Jesus is as the Messiah and

as the king. However, they aren’t the only people in the account here.

There were people who didn’t recognise him as king and these were the

Pharisees. These were the teachers of the law, people who would have known

the Psalms and the prophesies of Zechariah and much more! However, their

hearts were hard and they didn’t see Jesus for who he is.

In verse 39, we see that some of the Pharisees told Jesus not as a

suggestion but almost as a command to rebuke his disciples. And this isn’t

simply telling them to be quiet but to reprimand them and to disapprove of

their actions! What an incredible thing for them to suggest! These teachers

did not receive Jesus, did not recognise Jesus, and were plotting against

Jesus. Now, in some regards, this was politically sensible. The Romans

pretty much allowed the Jews to do what they wanted as long as they paid

their taxes and kept the peace. The arrival of a different king and an

unsettled crowd isn’t all that peaceful and so that could have been why

they asked Jesus to rebuke his disciples. But this is really all about

their material and physical comfort. For if they worshipped Jesus it may

have been uncomfortable for a time physically, it would involve some

humility, but they would have been secure for eternity spiritually. But

they didn’t.

Jesus’ response to the incredible command of the Pharisees is also

incredible. He says that if the crowds were to be silent, then the physical

stones would cry out in praise. Was Jesus being literal? That’s beside the

point. The point is that all of creation has been leading up to this moment

of the King coming in and all creation was designed to point to him and

recognise him as Lord and Saviour. But his kingship will be like no other.

People may have laid down their cloaks before him, but he will lay down his

life on their behalf. MC

Questions

Who are you praying for to recognise Jesus as King? How could you live your

life in such a way that it points to his kingship?

Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for the authority and kingship of Jesus. We are

sorry for when we don’t see this. Help us to submit to you in every area

even if it means being uncomfortable or enduring hardship. In Jesus’ Name,

Amen