In Luke 19 we read a detailed description of the events that took place on Palm Sunday, which was just a week before Jesus was crucified. Palm Sunday is a joyful event but less than a week after it came the event that displayed the most despicable death know to mankind. Then the miraculous event, the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. But today we concentrate on Palm Sunday.
Jesus and his disciples were making the trek to Jerusalem. They were traveling on the road seen in the picture above. Wilmer and I traveled that same road when we were in the Holy Lands some years ago. We were mesmerized by the thought that we were on the same road that Jesus took knowing He was on His way to be crucified. Before Jesus and the crowd approached this place called the Mount of Olives the disciples had acquired a colt for Jesus to ride on but the disciples were on foot. As the crowd continued to grow and excitement rose they became more convinced that Jesus was the one who they hailed as their long expected King. There praises went like this, Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord, Peace in heaven and glory in the highest". The crowds were jubilant because they still expected Jesus to be a king in their worldly domain and it was expected that He would free them from the bondage of the earthly king that was oppressing them. But in the midst of the joyous and jubilant celebration of the people we read that Jesus wept. As the whole procession moved down the Mount of Olives the city of Jerusalem was in view, even as it is in the picture above. Jesus tears show us how little Jesus was affected by all the applause and acclamation of the people. He knew their thoughts and He knew what was to happen shortly. This gives us an interesting insight into the heart of Jesus. He wept in the midst of his triumphs. That gives us pause as we rejoice in the triumphs and frivolity in this world. Nothing wrong with laughter and praise but there are still signs of evil around us and that makes us weep even as Jesus wept for the coming destruction of the city dear to his heart, Jerusalem.
Also, He knew he was going to Jerusalem to be killed by the very people that were now acclaiming his greatness. An interesting insight is when some leaders of the crowd thought the people should not raise their voices in praise, Jesus told them that if they were quiet the stones would cry out in praise. Sounds like a strange response but its literal fulfilling would come a little later in the week. When Jesus was on the cross people reviled Him and even the disciples sunk into a profound silence. However, that is the time when the earth did quake and rocks were rent apart. The people of that day wanted to silence Jesus but the Christ cannot be silenced.
This event in scripture reminds me of when we, even as Christ's believers, tend to want to put our hope and security in an earthly power whether it be a pastor, political leader or other symbol of significance. That is exactly what the people in Jesus day were doing, they looked for an earthly king who could make their lives more productive, less restrictive and be free.. They expected a Messiah and had looked forward for many years to his coming so when Jesus came they expected all their hopes and dreams to be fulfilled in Him. They totally missed the message of Jesus and why God sent Him into the world. Jesus came for one purpose, to die on the cross in our stead to satisfy the wrath of God for the sins we commit. Jesus gave himself voluntarily on our behalf so we can be declared righteous. The penalty for our sins was paid for on the cross. Do you and I still think an earthly power is the answer to our problems? Do we think that God needs a human entity to fulfill His hope for the world? Do I, and you, sometimes think God probably needs a little help to make His Almighty plan come to fruition? I make the point that all of us are to do our humanitarian things, our evangelizing efforts, our support for those who are on the battle lines in leadership positions but we do them with the confidence that God does rule and He does direct us in what we are to do. The Jewish people in Jesus day made an about face from Palm Sunday to Good Friday. They had their eye on the wrong goal. They wanted what was good for their everyday living and totally missed that Jesus wanted their heart. Only He can fill the vacuum of our hearts and give us a life that is filled with the Holy Spirit who will direct us to do and say what brings honor and glory to God.
Still selling the book, I've Always Been Rich, which talks about experiencing the richness of God's grace. Books can be purchased Barnes and Noble and Amazon and Christian booksores.
Marilyn Rensink email mjrevmo6@aol.com
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