Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, demonstrated what it means to walk in the Spirit. Today, let’s explore how to prophesy like Jesus and learn from His example!

Recently, I shared the Word of the Lord for the Church, drawing insights from Luke chapter 19. Here, we find a profound exchange between Jesus, our Rabbi, and His disciples, revealing His unique approach to prophecy and words of knowledge. Are you eager to grow in the prophetic and be used by the Lord?

Here’s the story:

“After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’' Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?' They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.' They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt, and put Jesus on it.” (Luke 19:28-35)

In this passage, Jesus prophesies with great detail, telling His disciples they would find a colt that had never been ridden. His words are bold, accurate, and carry divine authority. Notice that Jesus doesn’t waver or couch His statement with “I think” or “I feel.” He speaks with the full assurance of faith, setting an example for us in prophetic boldness. When we’re in the Spirit, we may experience moments of such assurance where we just know what to declare—and we say it confidently.

Jesus was well aware of the scriptural prophecy that He would enter Jerusalem on a colt, fulfilling His Father’s will. But beyond this knowledge, He discerns the precise timing and place, giving details only the Spirit could reveal. When the Holy Spirit moves us to declare something, it’s crucial to speak with clarity, neither watering down the message nor adding unnecessary embellishments. God is glorified not just by what we say, but by how we say it. Many times in my ministry, I’ve experienced this same Spirit-led certainty, where I knew with boldness that the Holy Spirit was speaking.

In a shift within the passage, Jesus models what I call “prophetic interactivity.” He instructs His disciples to say, “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Jesus, knowing full well the owner would ask, could have said, “When they ask you…” Instead, He uses “if anyone asks.” Why? Because Jesus respects human free will, even in prophetic scenarios.

This subtle distinction teaches us something important about the prophetic: it respects people’s freedom to respond. Jesus declared with authority that the disciples would find a colt. However, when it came to the owner’s interaction, He instructed them with wisdom, leaving room for the owner’s decision. Even though Jesus likely knew the owner would agree, He didn’t override free will, emphasizing that the prophetic should be respectful and not impose on someone’s conviction.

But how can we be sure Jesus knew the owner would agree? Consider His instructions—He tells His disciples to untie the colt upon entering the village, implying confidence that permission would be granted. Yet, He still guides them to respond conditionally, saying, “If anyone asks…” Jesus, while confident in the outcome, leaves space for respectful engagement.

Incredible, right? Now, take these principles and apply them. Let’s walk in prophetic wisdom, boldness, and respect for free will, just as Jesus did.

God bless you
Tony Francis