(Translated version, original article written in Chinese by Pastor Mickey Hsiao)

Worship

By singing praises and hymns, awake your soul, open your heart to the Lord, and prepare yourself to welcome the presence of God and receive the Word of God that will be given to you.

Thanksgiving

Petition with thanksgiving to God for a wonderful day and pray sincerely for a focused Scripture reading time! (Do not rush into reading the Bible without starting with prayers!) (e.g., you may start with a simple prayer like this: “Dear Lord, what will you be speaking to me today?)

Scripture Reading

Get the following items ready in advance: your devotional notebook, paper, pen, and/or electronic devotional articles so that you can easily write down the Bible verses, questions, and thoughts you have noticed! You are encouraged to open your Bible and vocally read out the scriptures (Try to practice this reading method daily or once a week)!

Scripture Reading: Matthew Ch. 21 (ESV)

Meditation

Take a moment to quietly reflect on today’s Scriptures. Through such exercises, let God’s Word be gradually written into our hearts and be inscribed to our mind.

Devotional

Read the devotional articles prepared by CBCLWA (*Read the Bible first before reading any devotional materials.)

(vv. 1-17) Finally, it was the week of Jesus’ crucifixion. On this day, Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem riding on a donkey, which fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9). As he entered, he was welcomed by a cheering crowd of Israelites anticipating the arrival of their Messiah (Psalm 118:26).

Jesus entered the city and arrived at the temple courts. The focus of this passage is that Jesus was angry because many people were buying and selling goods there, turning the “temple” into a “shop”. He said to them, “It is written in the Scriptures: “My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” (v.13) No wonder Jesus cleansed the temple, drove out the traders, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves…. Interestingly, later at the same place, Jesus healed the blind and the lame. And there were children shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David!” All of these things enraged the chief priests and the teachers of the law even more.

What is your response to the notion that Jesus is Christ, the Savior of all people, and he is the one who deserves all the praises? How many in this crowd of people then really knew Jesus’ true identity and were praising him when he entered the city? (As some people asked: “Who is this?”, the crowds said: “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”) (vv.10-11) Now when we are in fellowship gatherings or attending Sunday worship services, do we come worship Him because we truly know Jesus, his identity, his authority and power, and his redemption and grace? Or do we just follow a crowd of people, having fun and chatting with others, but in reality, are having no true relationship with God? It is my hope that whenever we come before him to worship and sing hymns, we will always remind ourselves to give him all the glory as He is worthy. Do not just sing hymns for the sake of acting. God sees our hearts! As for those who just want to come to the church to do business, talking about stocks or recruiting members for sales, etc., they ought to be expelled, similar to those who were driven out from the holy temple by Jesus!

(vv. 18-22) By this time, the disciples had been with Jesus for more than three years. Before long Jesus would be betrayed by someone, be judged in front of disciples, and be crucified. Once again, Jesus seized the opportunity to teach them about faith. The passage stated a prayer out of faith would be powerful – how such prayers became so important to these disciples later! Do you believe that through your petitions you can move mountains yourself? Or do you trust in God who you believe can move mountains?

(vv. 23-46) When the chief priests and the elders of the people asked Jesus where his authority came from, Jesus did not directly answer them. Instead, Jesus asked them a question which they refused to answer. Then, to the chief priests and the elders, Jesus spoke of three parables (two in Chapter 21 and one in Chapter 22), intending to call out their problems. The religious people were behaving like the younger son in the parable of the Two Sons because they did not do what they said they will do. Tax collectors and prostitutes were behaving like the older son who said he would not do it, but later regretted it and did it anyways. In the next parable, Jesus replicated the son who had returned to the vineyard to collect fruit from the farmers, but was killed. Jesus

referenced Psalm 118:22-23 “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” The chief priests and Pharisees knew that Jesus was talking about them. Nonetheless, their hearts were hardened and they looked for a way to arrest Jesus.

Our words and deeds reflect how much we really submit to Jesus. Jesus has spoken more than once what we should do and what we shall not do. Often times we understand what we are told to do, but just would not do it. Is there something you believe Jesus has commanded you to do, but you have done it yet? Are you doing something that would not be pleasing to him? May you repent today! Ask the Lord to help you follow his commands!

Pray

Give thanks to God for His enabling us to read the Scriptures and for our response for living out the Word of God today! (e.g., You may start with a simple prayer like this: “Dear Lord, what/where are you going to lead me to today?”)