When Joy Flows Freely | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 30

Finn's biggest joy moments happen on the swing, wind in his hair and smile consuming his face. I like to think Jesus might have looked similar riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, smiling big at all of the shouts of, "Hosanna!" Like Jesus, Finn's joy has consistently shown up in the midst of challenges. In fact, in many ways, Finn's life has been marked by challenge. Medically, Finn has endured over a dozen surgerical procedures in his short five years of life. And the skills that come easily to most kids (walking, talking, eating, etc.), have required many thousands of hours of practice. While most things come with extra challenge for Finn, joy isn't one of them. Joy comes naturally; it flows freely from him. So today, let Finn's little face serve as a reminder that joy and challenges can beautifully coexist. And often, they do.

Matthew 21:1-11Entry into Jerusalem

21 When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave two disciples a task. 2 He said to them, “Go into the village over there. As soon as you enter, you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that their master needs them.” He sent them off right away. 4 Now this happened to fulfill what the prophet said, 5 Say to Daughter Zion, “Look, your king is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, and on a colt the donkey’s offspring.”[a] 6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus had ordered them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their clothes on them. Then he sat on them.

8 Now a large crowd spread their clothes on the road. Others cut palm branches off the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord![b]Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 The crowds answered, “It’s the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”