You’ve probably heard the idiom, “familiarity breeds contempt.” Perhaps you have even uttered this phrase a time or two. This familiar expression communicates frustration, lack of respect, or constant fault finding with someone or something that you are “always” around. What was once fascinating, exciting, or new has now become mundane, and the luster is gone. It is sad, but we can sometimes feel this way. However, brothers and sisters, it ought not be so with people. Even more, it ought not be so with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
When Christ made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the crowds gathered around Him, spread their cloaks and branches before Him, and shouted, “...Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9) These people were excited! They had seen Him perform miracles. Perhaps some of them had experienced His healing touch personally. They had heard Him teach, and they were amazed at His authority and His message. I am sure that they were all wondering what He would say and do next. They had a sense of who Jesus really was and is. The sense of wonder and amazement must have been thrilling.
However, Jerusalem (the religious and political capital of their day) didn’t seem to share this sense of excitement. Listen to their response / inquiry: “And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, ‘Who is this?’” Really?! The city was shaken by the commotion of Christ’s triumphal entry, and all they could muster was, “Who is this?” They should have been rejoicing — the Savior was right there — but they missed Him.
Now, what about us? We pray in His name… we sing His praises, but has familiarity bred contempt? I certainly hope not! As you worship today, take time to be amazed and wonder at our Savior, Jesus the Christ!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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