Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Matthew 21 and Psalm 21

Having preached on corporate prayer yesterday, it’s very tempting to focus only on Jesus’ declaration in v.13 “My house will be called a house of prayer,” (quoting Isaiah 56:7). But, despite how zealously we see Jesus longing for His people to be a people of prayer, this chapter holds enormous significance in other ways, too.

Matthew 21 records the moment Jesus changed gears. Despite having predicted His certain death in Jerusalem, Jesus does not slink quietly into the City to avoid detection. Instead, He enters in full “confrontation mode.” He is the True King of God’s Kingdom, and He leaves no one in any doubt that this is His claim!

By His dramatic entry in obvious fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, Jesus boldly lays claim to His royal identity. He loudly and publicly confronts the corrupt Temple system that has prioritized power and profit over prayer. He symbolically denounces the leaders of God’s people by cursing a fig tree (a national symbol of Israel) because, like Israel’s apostate leadership, it is fruitless! Then He not only holds His own in a confrontation over His authority to do all this, but He courageously takes the battle right to the religious authorities, with a parable that shows them that He knows the murderous intentions of their hearts.

Jesus is no victim being hunted down. Jesus is there to shine God’s righteous glory and to make crystal clear to the authorities that they have to make a choice and make it now! Ultimately, He knows that they will not choose to repent but will harden their hearts and come against Him with all the evil power at their disposal. But Jesus is ready and willing to lay down His life for the world … so He stands up straight and shines the light!

Life Application: Have you been hiding in the shadows in some way? Have you kept the light of your identity as a Christ-follower hidden to avoid confrontation with those who don’t share your beliefs? Ask the Lord if today is the day to do something about that, and to step out of the shadows boldly and “nail your colours to the mast”. How would He like you to do that? Spend some time talking to Him about this now…