A PALM SUNDAY JUXTAPOSITION

“Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As He approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” say, “The Lord needs it.”’… They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As He went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.”  (Luke 19:28-35 NIV)

After the donkey is delivered, we have a clash of two processionals happening in the city of Jerusalem at the same time. Passover is going on. The city swells by several times its population. And coming in from the west we have (drumroll)…  Pontius Pilot, riding in on a stallion, a war horse. Behind him would be all the Roman army in their regalia -- with all their armor, their shields, their swords, and their spears. They would be marching in step into Jerusalem from the west, because this was Pilot’s time to shine and exhibit power. It’s called the Roman Peace – the Pax Romana. You know how peace came? Peace came from fear. You’d better be afraid of the Roman Empire. And they were in town to make sure this crowd wasn’t going to get too rowdy.

Meanwhile from the east, down from the Mount of Olives comes Jesus -- the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But He’s riding on a donkey? What’s up with that? Where are His soldiers; where’s His army? Imagine, His followers were a bunch of rejected tax collectors, prostitutes, fisherman, a bunch of misfits, a bunch of people nobody wants or sees, coming into town shouting, “Hosanna.”

What’s going on with this? Well, Jesus is offering a different kind of kingdom and a different kind of peace. Jesus’s peace comes, not through military power, but through the power of love. And He is setting up this conflict, this clash, which starts off as a celebration. “When He came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’” (Luke 19:37-38 NIV)

Royalty was riding in. The problem is it’s coming in from the wrong direction, in the wrong way. The roman leader comes in from the west; Jesus comes in from the east. The east is where the sun rose, and a new kingdom was dawning in Jerusalem that day. They just didn’t know it. 

-- Pastor Wes Olds, from a sermon entitled “The Triumphal Entry,” part of a series called “Passion: Journey to the Cross” at Grace Church Cape Coral, Florida

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RIDING ON A DONKEY

A prince is identified with privilege, rank, and special benefits, but Jesus, the Prince of Peace, comes into Jerusalem riding on a donkey, a symbol of lowliness. His entrance is greeted with affirmation and acclamation. There is a joyous mood in the crowd as the people anticipate the promise of the prophets before them.

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off; He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth."  (Zechariah 9:9-10 NKJV)

The promise of peace for a people plagued by war and strife was wonderful news. Perhaps now their long agony would come to an end. The promise of peace is enough to make suffering people celebrate. Do you suffer today? Sometimes the wars within are as devastating as the wars without. At some time in our lives, most of us will know the darkness of loneliness, disappointment, and despair. When the prince of peace comes to offer release, redemption, help, and hope, we are also filled with joy and the “hosannas” burst from our lips as well.

Jesus chose the way of peace in a violent world. He taught His disciples to do the same. Just for a moment Peter forgot, and because of that, one in the arresting party lost an ear. But still Jesus rebuked Peter and courageously continued His journey as the Prince of Peace on the way to His own death.  

-- Rueben P. Job in “A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God”

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ON HIS WAY TO JERUSALEM

"The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem.  They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, 'Hosanna!  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the King of Israel!'"   (John 12:12-13)

Reflecting on the scene of Palm Sunday, we see a crowd gathered for a momentous occasion. Each person waved their palm branches, driven by unique motivations and desires. Political activists saw in Jesus the potential for revolution, believing His supernatural power could liberate them from Roman oppression. Others, consumed by personal grief, longed for His miraculous healing touch for their sick and dying loved ones. Some were merely curious onlookers, seeking entertainment in the spectacle, while true followers hoped He would establish an earthly kingdom.

Yet, amidst this multitude with varied agendas, Jesus stood alone in His understanding of the true purpose of His journey. He knew that His path led to the ultimate sacrifice -- He was heading to Jerusalem to die for humanity's redemption. Jesus had a mission, while everyone else had an agenda.

This contrast invites us to examine our own hearts and motives. Are we approaching Jesus with our own agendas, seeking what He can do for us? Or are we aligned with His mission, surrendering our will to His greater plan?

Take a moment to quiet your heart and seek alignment with Jesus' mission. May we not be swayed by personal desires but be steadfast in following Him, understanding that His purpose transcends our individual ambitions. In this coming Holy Week, let us remember His sacrifice and commit ourselves to His divine mission.

-- SOUND BITES Ministry, compiled from a variety of sources 

#6092

HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID

Hosanna is a word used in some songs of praise, particularly on Palm Sunday. It is of Hebrew origin and was part of the shout of the multitudes as Jesus entered Jerusalem: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9).

Hosanna is often thought of as a declaration of praise, similar to hallelujah, but it is actually a plea for salvation. The Hebrew root words are found in Psalm 118:25, which says, “Save us, we pray, O LORD!” (ESV). The Hebrew words yasha (“deliver, save”) and anna (“beg, beseech”) combine to form the word that, in English, is “hosanna.” Literally, hosanna means “I beg you to save!” or “please deliver us!”

So, as Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem, the crowds were perfectly right to shout “Hosanna!” They were acknowledging Jesus as their Messiah, as shown in their address “Son of David.” Theirs was a cry for salvation and a recognition that Jesus is able to save.

Later that day, Jesus was in the temple, and the children present were again shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:15). The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were displeased: “’Do You hear what these children are saying?’ they asked Him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants You, Lord, have called forth Your praise”’?” (Matthew 21:16). In saying, “Hosanna!” the people were crying out for salvation, and that’s exactly why Jesus had come. Within the week Jesus would be hanging on a cross. 

-- From Got Questions Ministries, gotquestions.org

#6091

MY EASTER QUESTION: WHY GALILEE? – Part 1 of 3

“Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, ‘Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away -- for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples -- and Peter -- that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.’”  (Mark 16:2-7 NKJV)

Mark says that on that first Easter, women went to the tomb to pay their last respects to poor, dead Jesus.  To their alarm, the body of Jesus was not there.  A "young man, dressed in a white robe" told them, "You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified?  Well, he isn't here.  He is raised.  He is going ahead of you to Galilee."

Here's my Easter question for you:  Why Galilee? 

Galilee?  Galilee is a forlorn, out of the way sort of place.  It's where Jesus came from (which in itself was a shock -- "Can anything good come out of Galilee?" -- John 1:46).  Jesus is Galilee's only claim to fame.  Jesus spent most of His ministry out in Galilee, the bucolic out back of Judea.  He expended most of His teaching trying to prepare His forlorn disciples for their trip up to Jerusalem where the real action was.  All of Jesus' disciples seem to have hailed from out in Galilee.  Jesus' ultimate goal seems not to focus on Galilee but rather on the Capital City, Jerusalem.  In Jerusalem He was crucified and in Jerusalem He rose.  Pious believers in Jesus' day expected a restoration of Jerusalem in which Messiah would again make the Holy City the power-center that it deserved to be, the capital city of the world.  Which makes all the more odd that the moment He rose from the dead Jesus left the big city and headed back to Galilee.  Why? 

-- Adapted from a sermon entitled “He Came Back… To Us!” by William Willimon

#5827

JESUS’ ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM

“The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘The King of Israel!’ Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: ‘Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.’”  (John 12:12-15 NKJV)

The donkey was the beast on which kings rode when they came in peace; only in war did they ride upon horses. The entry of Jesus was the claim to be King.

But at the same time it was the claim to be the King of peace. It was upon the donkey of peace and not the horse of war that Jesus came.  He came deliberately refusing the role of warrior Messiah and claiming to be the Prince of Peace. He was appealing for a throne, but the throne was in the hearts of men and women. In that entry into Jerusalem Jesus, in a dramatic symbolic action which spoke more loudly than any words, was making one last appeal to the people, and saying to them: “Will you not, even now, even yet, accept Me as your Lord and King, and enthrone Me within your hearts?”

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was an action of supreme courage; it was an assertion of royalty and an offer of love; it was at one and the same time royalty’s claim and love’s appeal.  

-- William Barclay in “The Mind of Jesus”

#5821

PALM WAVING

“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the king of Israel!’ Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: ‘Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.’ At first His disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about Him and that these things had been done to Him.”  (John 12:12-16 NIV)

The coupling of Palm Sunday on the same week in Jesus’ life as Good Friday (a name betwixt in paradox) is playing to our temptations as I’m sure it played for Jesus even more profoundly. The fanfare that might come with a noble life, let’s say, might give us gratification and notoriety. Jesus knew about fleeting applause better than anyone, but He also understands fickle hearts. He understands our hearts in the first order, given the turn of events that leads to His death. In a true sense, our lives must follow Jesus through His passion. We must see His suffering and our need. If we stay on the street corner waving palms, we won’t understand either one. 

-- Zach Kincaid, from an article called “Palm Waving” on www.cslewis.com

#5571

REMAINING HUMBLE

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”  (Zechariah 9:9)

Corrie ten Boom was once asked if it were difficult for her to remain humble. Her reply was simple. “When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on the back of a donkey, and everyone was waving palm branches and throwing garments onto the road, and singing praises, do you think that for one moment it ever entered the head of that donkey that any of that was for him?” She continued, “If I can be the donkey on which Jesus Christ rides in His glory, I give Him all the praise and all the honor.” 

-- Mark Schaeufele, from a sermon entitled “A Messiah Who Serves”

#5325

YOUR KING COMES

“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”  (Matthew 21:6 NKJV)

Christ’s public Entry into Jerusalem seems altogether different from -- almost inconsistent with -- His previous mode of appearance. Evidently, the time for the silence so long enjoined has passed, and the time for public declaration had come. And such, indeed, this Entry was. From the moment of His sending forth the two disciples to His acceptance of the homage of the multitude, and His rebuke of the Pharisee’s attempt to arrest it, all must be regarded as designed or approved by Him; not only a public assertion of His Messiahship, but a claim to its national acknowledgement. And yet, even so, it was not to be the Messiah of Israel’s conception, but He of prophetic picture: “just and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass.”…

There can, at least, be no question that this prophecy was intended to introduce, in contrast to earthly warfare and kingly triumph, another Kingdom, of which the just King would be the Prince of Peace, Who was meek and lowly in His Coming, Who would speak peace to the sinner, and Whose sway would yet extend to earth’s utmost bounds. 

-- Adapted from Alfred Edersheim in “The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah”

#5062

THE PEOPLE ON THE ROAD TO JERUSALEM

“Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields.”  (Mark 11:8 NIV)

This was Jesus’ announcement that He was indeed the long-awaited Messiah. He chose a time when all Israel would be gathered in Jerusalem, a place where huge crowds could see Him, and a way of proclaiming His mission that was unmistakable. The people went wild. They were sure their liberation from Rome was at hand. While the crowd correctly saw Jesus as the fulfillment of these prophesies, they did not understand where Jesus’ kingship would lead Him. The people who were praising God for giving them a king had the wrong idea about Jesus. They expected Him to be a national leader who would restore their nation to its former glory; thus, they were deaf to the words of their prophets and blind to Jesus’ real mission. When it became apparent that Jesus was not going to fulfill their hopes, many people would turn against Him. A similar crowd would cry out, “Crucify Him!” when Jesus stood on trial only a few days later. It takes more than participation at a praise gathering to be a true friend and follower of Jesus….

Like the people on the road to Jerusalem that day, we have much to learn about Jesus’ death and resurrection. We must not let our personal desires catch us up in the celebration and shouting lest we miss the meaning of true discipleship.

-- From the “Life Application Commentary - Mark”


#4813

THE SO-CALLED "TRIUMPHAL ENTRY"

Things are not always what they seem! Such is certainly the case in [Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem]… The so-called “triumphal entry” of our Lord into Jerusalem is anything but a triumph, as we can see from the tears shed by our Lord in Luke's… account (Luke 19:41-44). Those who enthusiastically welcome Jesus to Jerusalem as the “King of Israel” are some of the same people who, in a week's time, will be crying out, “We have no king, but Caesar!” (John 19:15). Those who cry out, “Hosanna!” (Save now!)…, will be shouting, “He saved others. Let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, His chosen one!” (Luke 23:35). It is not a triumphal entry at all, but nonetheless it is a very significant event in the life of our Lord and in the history of the nation Israel...


The fact that every Gospel has an account of the “triumphal entry” of our Lord into Jerusalem indicates to us that it is indeed a most significant event. On our Lord's part, it is a most dramatic and emphatic claim to be the Messiah, the “King of Israel.” At the same time, it is a fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Jesus does not come as a conquering king, ready to lead Israel against the Romans, overthrowing their rule. He has come as the “Prince of Peace” and as the “Lamb of God,” whose death will provide the cure for sin. I am reminded of the spiritual that goes something like this, “Poor little Jesus boy, they didn't know who You was …” This song refers to the birth of our Lord, but it applies equally well to His “triumphal entry.” They still don't know who He is.


-- Robert L. Deffinbaugh, from bible.org




#3846

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY

On Good Friday in 1998 my wife and I buried our son, Dustin. He had died at the age of 16 as a result of a brain tumor. His cremains were placed in the ground and we began our grief journey. No parent should have to go through that experience. The death of a loved one or close friend is hard enough. The death of a child is a pain like no other. So I had some sense that day of what the followers of Jesus must have felt. On the first Good Friday they buried Jesus in a tomb, sealed it shut, and began their grief journey. I can imagine that Saturday for the Christ-followers was a day filled with grief, bewilderment, hopelessness, numbness, and quiet conversation.

Fast forward, then, to January, 2009. I found myself leading a worship service at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. We stood there in the beautiful surroundings with other Christ-followers from around the world. Our group pulled aside to spend some time in reflection prior to receiving communion. I shared with them some of the feelings the disciples must have felt on that Saturday. I explained that that particular day, January 21, was our son Dustin’s birthday and I shared some of his story with them.

I also shared that as Christ-followers we do not need to spend our time in the grief of the “Saturdays.” Instead, we 21^st century pilgrims, just as the 1^st century disciples, found the tomb empty. “He is not here. He is risen,” declared the sign at the empty tomb. He is risen indeed! And we can live in the grace and hope of Easter Sunday because Christ overcame the grave. He overcame the grave so that we might live… so that you and I might live… so that my son might live.

1 Corinthians 15:54b-57 reminds us: “‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Where do you find that you dwell most of the time? In the sorrow of Friday, in the hopelessness of Saturday, or in the victory of Sunday. Because I trust in Christ, I choose to live in Sunday.

     The greatest love that anyone could ever know
     That overcame the cross and grave to find my soul
     And 'til I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
     I'll trust in You
          (from “Till I See You” by Hillsong)

-- Rev. David T. Wilkinson


#2963