As I was praying about what to write this week, a thought occurred to me: I wonder what was going through Jesus’ head during the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. As he made his way toward Jerusalem, the crowds laid out palm branches and their cloaks 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) It must have been a spectacular scene. But, in one week, the crowd would be saying something quite different: “Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" (Luke 23:20-21) Instead of the worship he was receiving on this day, he would receive scorn. Instead of palm branches laid before him, he would be nailed to a cross. What a difference a week can make!
Webster defines cynical as, “denying the sincerity of people or the value of life.” If any one of us were there and knew what was about to happen, I suspect that Webster’s definition would have applied to us. Knowing what we know now, we probably would have looked at the crowds with disgust or disdain. However, I’m sure that Jesus looked at the crowds with compassion. He knew that the cross was exactly what the people needed. He knew that his redemptive mission had to be completed, no matter the cost.
I think Jesus looked at the momentary glory as a taste of the unending glory that was to come. Though the coming days would be horrific, he knew it was part of fulfilling the Father’s perfect plan. So, on this Palm Sunday, I encourage you to do what the author of Hebrews says, and keep “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) Now, give him the glory he deserves!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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