How can we prepare our hearts to receive Jesus as in Matthew 21:7? The Scene that Speaks Volumes “They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.” (Matthew 21:7) Key Elements in the Verse • The disciples obey a simple command. • Ordinary animals—nothing impressive—are offered. • Cloaks, a symbol of status and comfort, are surrendered. • Jesus takes His rightful place. Preparing Our Hearts in the Same Way • Obedient Readiness – Like the disciples, respond promptly to the Lord’s clear instructions (John 14:15). – Keep a posture that says, “Whatever You ask, wherever You send, I’m ready.” • Humble Availability – Jesus chose a lowly donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. Offer Him whatever seems small or common in your life; He delights to use it (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • Surrender of Comfort and Status – Laying cloaks on the animals meant giving up personal covering and recognition. Set aside anything—reputation, preferences, possessions—that might keep Christ from full rule in your heart (Philippians 3:7-8). • Creating a Seat of Honor – The disciples made a makeshift throne. Clear space in your daily routine for undistracted fellowship with Jesus (Revelation 3:20). • Joyful Acknowledgment of His Kingship – The crowd soon cried, “Hosanna!” (Matthew 21:9). Cultivate praise that celebrates who Jesus is, not just what He gives (Psalm 103:1-2). • Confidence in Prophetic Faithfulness – Every detail matched Scripture. Trust that the same faithful Lord will fulfill every promise He has spoken over your life (2 Corinthians 1:20). Living It Out Today • Start each morning with a simple “Yes, Lord,” before the day’s details unfold. • Offer Him the ordinary—your commute, conversations, chores—and expect Him to sit enthroned there. • Regularly examine what “cloak” you might need to lay down: a grudge, an ambition, a comfort zone. • Set a physical place and time where you intentionally honor Jesus, turning distractions off and attention on. • Let gratitude and Scripture-fueled praise fill your mind; sing, speak, or write it out. As the disciples prepared a humble path for Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, we prepare a yielded, welcoming heart. When He is given the seat of honor, the King rides in, and everything changes. |