November 25
Today’s Reading — Matthew 20–22
Scripture Focus
“Who is this?”
“Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘🙌 Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!’ The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. ‘Who is this?’ they asked. And the crowds replied, ‘It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’”
— Matthew 21:9–11 (NLT)
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Reflection
Matthew 20–22 brings the story to its highest point—
Jesus stepping fully, publicly, undeniably into His identity as Israel’s promised King.
And the whole city is asking one question that still matters today:
“Who is this?”
1. He is the King entering His kingdom. (Matthew 21)
The Triumphal Entry wasn’t a random moment—it was the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9.
Jesus deliberately presents Himself as the Messiah, riding on a donkey—
not as a military conqueror,
but as the humble King who brings salvation.
The crowds shout,
“Hosanna! Save us now!”
They praise Him with their lips…
but only days later many of these voices will cry out “Crucify Him.”
Why?
Because Jesus didn’t fit the kingdom they imagined.
They wanted relief from Rome.
He came to free them from sin.
2. He is the Holy Lord who cleanses what belongs to Him.
Jesus walks straight into the Temple—
not intimidated, not quiet, not passive—
and cleanses it.
He overturns tables.
He drives out corruption.
He declares His house must be a place of 🙏 prayer.
This King does not tolerate a worship that is shallow or self-centered.
His kingdom confronts us, cleanses us, and calls us to holiness.
3. He is the Son of God proving His identity with power.
After cleansing the Temple, Jesus heals the blind and the lame—
right there in the courts,
as if to say:
“If you want to know who I am—watch what I do.”
Prophecy after prophecy was being fulfilled in front of their eyes:
• The King on a donkey
• Praise from children
• Zeal for God’s house
• Miracles in the Temple
• The rejected cornerstone
Everything the Torah and Prophets said…
Jesus embodied perfectly.
Yet the religious leaders still demanded proof.
Still argued.
Still hardened their hearts.
And still planned to kill Him.
They studied the Scriptures—
but they would not surrender to the One the Scriptures pointed to.
4. He is the Judge telling the truth in His parables. (Matthew 21–22)
In these chapters Jesus gives three sharp parables:
• The Two Sons
• The Wicked Tenants
• The Wedding Banquet
Every parable is His final appeal:
“Will you recognize Me? Will you enter My kingdom? Will you bear fruit?”
And still—they reject Him.
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Lesson for Me
Jesus is still asking:
“Who do you say that I am?”
It’s not enough to admire Him.
It’s not enough to praise Him when life is good.
It’s not enough to read about Him.
He is the King who confronts my sin,
cleanses my heart,
calls me to follow,
and expects fruit.
He has shown us who He is—
now He calls us to respond with obedience, trust, and surrender.
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Application Questions
1.When Jesus confronts something in my life, do I welcome His cleansing—or resist it?
2.Am I praising Him one moment but doubting Him the next?
3.What part of His identity (King, Savior, Judge, Cornerstone) is God asking me to honor more deeply today?
4.If Jesus walked into my life like He walked into the Temple, what would He overturn?
5.How can I respond today in obedience—not just admiration?
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Prayer 🙏
Lord Jesus,
You are the promised King, the humble Savior, and the Holy One.
Open my eyes to see You clearly—not the version I want, but who You truly are.
Cleanse my heart.
Confront what does not belong.
Produce fruit in me that honors Your name.
Help me to follow You with reverence, obedience, and love.
I choose You today—my King, my God, my Savior.
Amen.
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Takeaway
Jesus has already shown us who He is—our King, our Savior, our Judge, and our Cornerstone.
The question isn’t whether He’s clear… it’s whether we will respond in faith, obedience, and surrender.
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Cross-References to Hold Onto
(No chasing, just read the verses themselves)
•Zechariah 9:9 — the prophecy of the humble King entering Jerusalem.
•Psalm 118:22–26 — the rejected Cornerstone and Hosanna prophecy.
•Malachi 3:1–3 — the Lord coming to His temple to cleanse and purify.
•Isaiah 56:7 — “My house will be called a house of prayer.”
•John 1:11–12 — He came to His own, and those who received Him became children of God.
•Luke 19:41–44 — they did not recognize the time God visited them.
•1 Peter 2:4–10 — Jesus the Living Stone, and the identity of those who belong to Him.
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Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus.
Ask Him:
“Lord, what are You showing me about who You are—and how do You want me to respond?”
Write down what He reveals—what to surrender, what to change, what to trust