Following Instructions | Morning Routine Daily Devotional for February 8

And [Jesus] said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” – Mark 11:2-3 ESV

How do you feel about following instructions? It might depend on whether you’re the one giving them or receiving them! It’s certainly a part of our lives from the time we are children and students to the time we are parents or teachers. 

In today’s passage, Jesus gives two of his disciples instructions that may have had them scratching their heads. The account takes place near the end of Jesus’ life and ministry when the conflict between him and the religious leaders was red-hot. In fact, although Jesus was about to ride into Jerusalem on a colt and be celebrated by a crowd, less than one week later he would be crucified. So those instructions, again? Go take a colt that you’ll find tied up in the village! Oh, and if someone asks, just tell them ‘The Lord has need of it’. That’s it? What if they don’t believe me? What if they chase me? Do I take off? What if the colt doesn’t want to cooperate? 

You know what? Scripture goes on to say that the colt was there, just as Jesus said. And someone questioned them, just the way Jesus said. And when the disciples followed Jesus’ instructions, they were given permission and brought the colt to Jesus, all as he said. As Christians who are passionate about education, we know a thing or two about giving and following instructions. But as followers of Jesus, are we following His instructions for us, even when his way seems strange, difficult, or less effective than another? Today, let’s follow Him closely.