Triumphal Entry!

 

            It wasn’t every day that a King entered the city, so it was an exciting moment for the massive crowds that were gathered there to celebrate the Passover.  They had been waiting hundreds of years for their King to deliver them from the oppressive rule of those who governed them.  They were anxious to see him overthrow the rulers and restore the glory Israel had once observed.  Some of them journeyed with Jesus from Bethany where He had spent the night and many others poured out of Jerusalem to welcome Him.  Their anticipation and excitement were displayed in their shouts of “Hosanna” and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”.  They laid down a royal welcome of palm leaves and cloaks.  They understood and misunderstood all at the same time.

            It wasn’t by accident that Jesus returned to Jerusalem that day.  From the beginning, He had one purpose, and it wasn’t until the timing was perfect that His purpose would be fulfilled.  The Pharisees had put a “contract” on His life, and He knew what awaited Him in Jerusalem.  He had purposely stayed away until just the right moment.  He returned, riding a donkey, acknowledging that He was the King – just not in the way that the crowds had anticipated. 

            What was He thinking that day as the crowds welcomed Him?  He already knew what was coming five days later.  He knew that those shouts of joy would turn to shouts of “crucify Him” but He rode through their midst anyway.  The opposition was there waiting, demanding that He quiet the crowds.  He didn’t try to appease them but instead told them that if the crowds were quiet, the rocks would cry out.  I’m sure that only added to their anger. 

            The crowds wanted a King who would rescue them right then.  When it became clear that He wasn’t that kind of king, they quickly turned against Him.

How many times do we do the same?  We want someone to rescue us from the troubles of this world.  We are unwilling to accept the fact that sin is the root of our troubles, and that trouble will continue so long as we are in this world.  We want immediate rescue, just as the people did that day.

What we often forget, and they didn’t begin to understand is that the true redemption would come on Friday, when He laid down His life for their sins and ours.  Our King has come!  May we welcome His entry into our lives every day because every day with Jesus is a triumph!

Matthew 21: 9

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