Day 1: The Cloaks

READ

And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Luke 19:28–40

Read also 2 Kings 9:13; Zechariah 9:9–17.

REFLECT

In ancient times, a cloak was an outer garment that reached right above the ankles. For rulers and leaders of the community, it was a symbol of status or authority, with colors and designs that represented their level of power. For most people, it represented protection and security, keeping them safe from external elements and weather conditions that might bring harm. Because people of that time usually had just one cloak (unlike the jackets or coats we have today), it was a prized possession.

Imagine the disciples putting their cloaks on a young donkey for a makeshift saddle for Jesus. As Jesus made His way through, more people took off their cloaks and laid them on the road for Him. Each cloak touched the ground, met the dust and sand, and was stepped on by the colt that Jesus was riding. What made His followers throw their cloaks and spread them on the ground?

Verses 37–38 tell us that the people were rejoicing and praising God, declaring Jesus as the promised King and long-awaited Messiah. The cloaks were laid down for the King of kings. Whatever their status or position in life, they recognized that Jesus has authority that’s higher than all earthly rulers. They also recognized that this King is the only one who can provide lasting protection and security for them.

The way Jesus entered Jerusalem was not what people had expected at all. He came on a young donkey, not a warhorse. His entry was humble, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. This was not the grand, powerful king they might have imagined. Instead, Jesus came as the servant King, gentle and lowly, ready to fulfill His mission—not to conquer through force, but to save through surrender. The people were expecting a king who would meet their immediate needs, but Jesus came to show them their ultimate need—a Savior who humbles Himself to serve, to heal, and to make them whole.

Today, may we recognize Jesus as the Lord of our lives—the servant King who came to meet our deepest need. As we recognize His kingship, let us surrender and lay down our cloaks before Him.

"I Surrender All"

by Judson Van DeVenter

All to Jesus I surrender

All to Him I freely give

I will ever love and trust Him

In His presence daily live

RESPOND

• The cloak represents status, protection, and security. Where do you get these from? How can you let go of your cloak and surrender this to Jesus today?
• Take the time to reflect and ask God to reveal any expectation you have of Him (e.g., as King, protector, provider, healer). Ask God to give you eyes of faith to see and recognize who He is and what He has already done, so that you may be aligned to Him.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, You are the King who came humbly to save us. Give us eyes of faith to recognize You as our King, that we may lay down our cloaks before You. Give us the grace to surrender our expectations and to worship You. Teach us to follow Your example as the servant King by letting us grow in humility, sacrifice, and love. Amen.

SONG

I Surrender All

(Hymn) by Victory Worship