The day before Jesus was hailed as King. What would be his first order of business as King? What pagan icon would he rip down? Where would he first strike the Roman regime?
Jesus’ walk to Jerusalem is about to end and his passion week is about to begin. Jesus traveled through many villages and regions, but his plan was to end up in Jerusalem.
Romans 8 gives us “precious and very great promises” that provide hope and courage in the midst of any difficulty or persecution. Those who are justified cannot be condemned (vv. 33–34). Those who are anchored in Christ cannot be dislodged (vv. 35ff).
How many friends do you have? As a believer, you are a friend of Jesus Christ, and that friendship should be growing. In friendship, God has given us a great gift.
Jesus knew what lay ahead (vv. 32–33), but pressed on anyway. He came to glorify the Father, and die in place of sinners. Jesus went through Jericho to reach a poor blind man just as he went through Samaria to save an adulterous woman at a well.
God’s grace (2:11–14) transforms our lives and gives us a zeal for obeying Jesus Christ. God’s grace demands a change in the way we live; at the same time, holy living must be grounded in God’s grace.