Yesterday was Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is the day that commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. It’s called Palm Sunday because the people laid palms down on the ground to create an ancient “red carpet” reception for Jesus.
The Gospel of Matthew records, “The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting. ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’ And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, ‘Who is this?’ And the crowds said, ‘This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.’” (21:6-11)
The crowds heralded Jesus as a king – they believed he was entering Jerusalem to claim leadership of Israel. Once Jesus was enthroned as king, he was expected to lead Israel in successful rebellion against Rome.
The crowds thought they understood what Jesus was intending to do. They thought that he was going to do what they wanted him to do.
As Holy Week proceeded, Jesus became no less king, but the crowds deserted him. The people were interested in Jesus while they thought he was fulfilling their dreams. They lost interest when they realized that he was not acting according to their script.
In our culture – a culture in which the quality of life is so often defined by personal happiness and fulfillment - Jesus is often evaluated based on whether or not he helps an individual achieve what he or she wants.
As you follow Jesus, are you more interested in what you want him to do for you or for what he wants to do in and through you? The former will be limited by your imagination and the goods of this world, the latter knows no bounds.
Is Jesus your king only when he fulfills your expectations, or is Jesus your king because he is king of the whole cosmos?
What is so wonderful about this passage is that Jesus is not fooled. He knows why the crowds cheer for him. Even though they will desert him, he will not desert them. |