The Triumphal Entry
When Religion Gets in the Way
Before we celebrate the empty tomb on Easter, let’s pause and rewind to one of the most powerful moments of Jesus’ journey: His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and what happened right after.
The City Was Ready, but for the Wrong Reasons
Picture the streets of Jerusalem: packed with travelers from all over the world, all buzzing about a man named Jesus.
This wasn’t just hype — this was hope!
Word had spread that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. People were showing up not just to worship for Passover, but to see if Jesus of Nazareth, the miracle worker, would show up too.
The religious leaders? They weren’t excited. They were nervous.
The whole system they’d built — the one that said “earn your way to God” — was about to be turned upside down.
And isn’t that just like Jesus? Turning expectations upside down.
Picture the streets of Jerusalem: packed with travelers from all over the world, all buzzing about a man named Jesus.
This wasn’t just hype — this was hope!
Word had spread that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. People were showing up not just to worship for Passover, but to see if Jesus of Nazareth, the miracle worker, would show up too.
The religious leaders? They weren’t excited. They were nervous.
The whole system they’d built — the one that said “earn your way to God” — was about to be turned upside down.
And isn’t that just like Jesus? Turning expectations upside down.
When Worship Becomes a Business Deal
When Jesus finally arrived at the Temple, you’d expect Him to lead an earth-shattering, heaven-shaking worship service, right?
Instead, He flipped the script (and the tables).
The Temple, a place that was supposed to be a house of prayer, had turned into a religious flea market.
Animals for sale. Money changers racking up profits. People being taken advantage of — all under the name of God.
And Jesus? He wasn’t quiet about it. He unleashed a righteous storm!
He literally flipped tables over and drove the merchants out.
When Jesus finally arrived at the Temple, you’d expect Him to lead an earth-shattering, heaven-shaking worship service, right?
Instead, He flipped the script (and the tables).
The Temple, a place that was supposed to be a house of prayer, had turned into a religious flea market.
Animals for sale. Money changers racking up profits. People being taken advantage of — all under the name of God.
And Jesus? He wasn’t quiet about it. He unleashed a righteous storm!
He literally flipped tables over and drove the merchants out.
My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13)
The Problem Isn’t Just Back Then
Now, before we start judging the money changers, let’s ask ourselves an honest question: How often do we let “good religion” sneak into our own hearts?
It happens when we:
It’s not that religious traditions are bad — but they’re terrible replacements for real relationship with God. When your focus shifts from genuine connection to God and others to simply “going through the motions,” even good things can lose their meaning.
Now, before we start judging the money changers, let’s ask ourselves an honest question: How often do we let “good religion” sneak into our own hearts?
It happens when we:
- Treat church like a task to check off rather than a place to encounter God and connect with His people.
- Focus more on appearances than authenticity.
- Measure spiritual success by what we do rather than who we belong to.
It’s not that religious traditions are bad — but they’re terrible replacements for real relationship with God. When your focus shifts from genuine connection to God and others to simply “going through the motions,” even good things can lose their meaning.
The Heart of God: Compassion Over Conditions
Right after flipping tables, Jesus did something that reveals the heartbeat of the Father: He welcomed the broken.
He healed the blind and the lame, not because they earned it or because they performed the right rituals, but as a demonstration of His compassion.
It’s a powerful reminder that God is not distant or uncaring. In the same way Jesus showed up for those who sought Him, God sees you, too!
Right after flipping tables, Jesus did something that reveals the heartbeat of the Father: He welcomed the broken.
He healed the blind and the lame, not because they earned it or because they performed the right rituals, but as a demonstration of His compassion.
It’s a powerful reminder that God is not distant or uncaring. In the same way Jesus showed up for those who sought Him, God sees you, too!
The Biggest Threat: "Good Religion"
The truth is the greatest enemy to your relationship with God isn’t always sin. It’s often self-reliance disguised as religion.
It’s the quiet belief that:
But here’s the Gospel-truth:
You don’t need to perform to receive God’s approval. It’s all about living from the approval He’s already given you!
The truth is the greatest enemy to your relationship with God isn’t always sin. It’s often self-reliance disguised as religion.
It’s the quiet belief that:
• I need to earn God’s love.
• I need to clean myself up before I can come to Him.
• If I don’t do it perfectly, He won’t accept me.
But here’s the Gospel-truth:
• You’re already loved!
• You’re already chosen!
• You’re already accepted!
You don’t need to perform to receive God’s approval. It’s all about living from the approval He’s already given you!
Your Identity: Chosen, Royal, Loved
When Jesus enters your life, He’s not looking for your perfect behavior — He’s calling out your true identity.
The Bible says:
You don’t earn this.
You don’t apply for it.
You just receive it.
When Jesus enters your life, He’s not looking for your perfect behavior — He’s calling out your true identity.
The Bible says:
You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His special possession. (1 Peter 2:9)
You don’t apply for it.
You just receive it.
How to Keep Your Focus on Jesus This Easter Season
So, what do you do with all of this? Here are a few simple steps:
So, what do you do with all of this? Here are a few simple steps:
1. See Jesus “high and lifted up.” Stop magnifying your mistakes. Start magnifying His goodness.
2. Draw near to God. James 4:8 promises: When you draw near to God, He draws near to you. Simple? YES! Powerful? ABSOLUTELY!
3. Come as you are. You don’t need to clean yourself up first. Just show up with a sincere heart.
4. Let go of performance. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you lay down religious mindsets and embrace freedom in Christ.
5. Know your identity. You are loved. You are chosen. You are already His.
Final Thoughts
As we approach Resurrection Sunday, don’t let old habits, guilt, or religious performance steal the beauty of the cross.
Jesus didn’t just flip tables in the Temple — He flipped the whole script on how you approach God.
Let’s be people who know Him, not just know about Him.
Let’s carry His love into our homes, workplaces, and city.
And let’s walk in the freedom of being fully known and fully loved.
As we approach Resurrection Sunday, don’t let old habits, guilt, or religious performance steal the beauty of the cross.
Jesus didn’t just flip tables in the Temple — He flipped the whole script on how you approach God.
Let’s be people who know Him, not just know about Him.
Let’s carry His love into our homes, workplaces, and city.
And let’s walk in the freedom of being fully known and fully loved.
Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth
Posted in #SozoLife, Relationship, Easter, Spiritual Growth, identity
Posted in #SozoLife, Relationship, Easter, Spiritual Growth, identity
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