Study Desk

They were still riding for Jerusalem, with Jesus in the lead. The cowboys weren't sure of what was coming so Jesus pulled them aside and told 'em what they should expect.

"This will be the end of the line for me, boys. I'm going to be double-crossed by a pard and the religious institution that claims to serve God. They are going to sentence me to death and hand me over to the Romans.

The brothers, James and John, took Jesus to one side and said, "We'd like for you to do us a favor."

But Jesus said, "You don't have any idea what you're asking for. Do you think you will be able to ride the trail that I'm fixing to go down?"

but it ain't for me to decide who rides to my left and my right. These spots are reserved for who my Dad wants there."

For even the Greatest Top Hand did not come down here to ride all high and mighty, but he came to serve others, and to offer his life as a ransom for everyone else."

Then Jesus started his ride into Jerusalem and people honored him by throwing their own coats on the ground so that even the colt's feet that carried him wouldn't touch the dirt. Some people even cut branches off of nearby trees and laid them down in the road for Jesus's mount to walk on.

said loud enough for his cowboys to hear, "May you never make fruit again."

When they got to Jerusalem, they went straight to the main church area of town. Jesus jumped off his horse and started throwing the tables of those people who were selling animals for sacrifices across the courtyard. He made quite an impression in the way he handled the money changer's booths.

He jumped up on a stone and shouted for all to hear, "Everyone listen! Didn't God's writings say, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for the whole world?' But you all here have turned it into a circus and a robber's roost!"

But don't let anything get in the way of your prayers. If you are holding a grudge or have not done something that someone else asked you for, then go do that so your Boss in heaven will do the same for you."

They rode into Jerusalem again and headed straight for the main church area. While Jesus was walking amongst the people, some of the bigwigs who ran the place came up to him and asked him,

he sent one of his cowboys back to get the share of his calves for the lease.

Jesus continued the story, "So what do y'all think the rancher will do? He will come back himself and kill those no-account rustlers and give the ranch to other cowboys who will be thankful for the opportunity to ride for him.

They strolled up to Jesus like they were all friends and said, "Hey there professor, we know you are a straight shooter and don't say things just so people will like you. We know you teach the truth straight from God, but we've got a question for ya.

Should those of us who follow God really be paying taxes to Caesar?"But Jesus saw right through their underhanded scheme and said, "Do you think I'm going to fall for your silly games? Bring me one of these coins you use to pay your taxes and let me see it."

You must ride for God with all your heart, soul, and mind. You've got to ride for him with every ounce of strength you've got.'

To ride for him with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength, and to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself is more important than all the sacrifices in the world."

Jesus saw that the light was starting to come on for this fellow, so he told him, "You are not far from God's outfit right now." After that, no one dared ask any more questions trying to trap him.

Later on, Jesus was giving a clinic at the main church in town about how to ride for God. He asked them, "Why do those that stress religious rules claim God's Top Hand will be a son of the great King David?