Palm Sunday Thoughts
Last week at East Nashville Community Church we discussed Palm Sunday, and then looked at the basic Palm Sunday Scripture, Matthew 21:1-11.
As I thought about Palm Sunday and the last week of Jesus’ life this week, I continued to realize how fickle people are. As the Scripture comes to a close, what jumps off the page at me is the fact that everyone seemed excited and happy and joyous that Jesus the King, the Messiah, was riding into town.
I can picture the people all sitting around on their couches and hearing a bunch of noise in the streets and rushing to their windows and doors to see what’s going on. At least that’s what Alyson and I do when we hear kids screaming or adults yelling and laughing in our streets; we get up to look and listen.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, all the people took notice. Matthew tells us “the whole city was stirred and asked `Who is this’?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
The problem with Palm Sunday is that the excitement of the crowd faded. When Good Friday rolled around, many of the same voices that shouted “Hosanna!” were then shouting “Crucify Him!” Their love for the Lord was shallow and based entirely on their hope of what exciting things Jesus could do for them.
Here’s the deal: Lot’s of people got in behind Jesus on the road to the throne, but they wouldn’t follow him on the way to the cross. They would wave palms before the coming king, but they wouldn’t obey the Suffering Servant. If we aren’t careful we will find ourselves in that same trap of fickleness of only being loyal when it’s convenient.
I see it in that same sentiment. I think the way many of those people responded is how we, at times, respond in our Christian walk. To me, it’s crazy how in that time span, how people did a complete 180 in the wrong direction, including those that were closest to Him. I’m reminded of us…of me. How one minute we can be on fire for Christ, and the next minute, we become jaded, complacent, and burdened by the problems of life. I’m reminded of Luke 14:25-34, where Jesus talks about the cost of following Him…it’s a serious calling. I’m so thankful for His love, the price He paid, and His grace for each day…I pray that we stay strong.
“..Lot’s of people got in behind Jesus on the road to the throne, but they wouldn’t follow him on the way to the cross.”
Thats an outstanding point!
I think maybe what people fear most is suffering. Think about it, every aspect of modern society is not geared towards health and longevity but towards comfort. Air conditoning so we dont sweat. Central heat so we dont shiver. There is a pain medicine for every ache we can have. Microwaves so our stomaches dont rumble. Remote controlled everything so we dont have to rise from our chairs. But Jesus suffered and He rose — and because He did; we can too.