A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ (Matthew 21: 8-9)
Jesus was defined by His mission, not by His situation. If Jesus was defined by His situation, He wouldn’t have ridden into Jerusalem to be framed, denied, betrayed, and crucified. Because Jesus was so committed to His mission, He didn’t allow the adulations of the crowd to distract him, nor the evil designs of the religious and government authorities to daunt Him.
Although we can be certain that Jesus was defined by His mission, are we certain who or what defines us?
When I allow my situation to trump my mission, I’m at great risk of being hijacked by my fears, crippled by my anxieties, and disabled by my worries. But when I ground my life upon Jesus’ mission, I’m more equipped to face my challenges with ballast in my soul, strength in my heart, and clarity in my mind. I believe what’s true for me is also true for you.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem because He was defined by His mission long ago. Jesus still wants to ride into our lives today for the same reason: to bring all people into His saving embrace. Until Jesus comes again, our ride with Him will never be finished in this lifetime.
Jesus encourages us to ride with Him because He wants our company and because He wants our help with His mission. Riding with Jesus brings Him joy and gives our life meaning and purpose. When we’re defined by Jesus’ mission, we’re given the strength and courage to ride through our own pains, losses, and disappointments because we trust that Jesus rides with us through this life into the next.
Reflection Questions:
- What is your mission and purpose?
- When you allow your situation to hijack or eclipse your mission and purpose, what happens, or doesn’t, in your life?
- When we give our lives to Jesus, He invites us into His mission. How would you define His mission, and how would you describe the work He calls you to do?