Matthew 21

Posted on Jan 30, 2017 in Bible (NT) in a Year |

Monday,
And so it begins. This is one of the highest moments of drama in the entire Gospel. Can you picture the excitement?
The praise and shouting taking place? The palms being waved – shouts of Hosanna (which literally translated means – I beg you to save.) They were shouting praises to Jesus. Calling Jesus, the Son of David, the Messiah, the …Savior. As Matthew is writing his account of this event – many years later, I wonder what stuck out in his mind? I’m pretty sure he is keying in on the importance that Jesus was fulfilling the prophecies. Like the Zechariah prophecy that the king would come riding on a donkey and not only a donkey but the colt, the foal of a donkey.  

Have you ever wondered what was going on in the minds of those who were participating? What were they thinking, what were they expecting to happen? How about the on-lookers, like the Pharisees? How about the other disciples? Do you think that maybe they were hoping this was the moment Jesus would become the King? A king like David? It’s pretty hard to exert a lot of power and might when you are riding on a donkey’s colt. Generally, riding a donkey signified that a leader was coming in peace. Do you think this was noted by the disciples?

One thing that is very clear, this entry into Jerusalem was well planned. This was not a spur of the moment event. The animals Jesus needed were provided by a covert word to some unknown accomplice who would release the animals to whomever Jesus sent.

Spreading their coats before a king is not something new. 2 Kings 9:13 relates a similar event happening when Jehu is praised by the people.

Whatever the motivation, it seems pretty clear that the crowds are hailing Jesus as King.

I wonder what Jesus was thinking about all of this?

I just find it very sad that we can be so fickle. One moment praising Jesus – when things are going well, and the next moment finding fault and wanting Jesus crucified.

Well, Jesus does something else in our reading today, that draws attention to him. Throwing out the money changers. Probably made a few people mad at him.

I pretty sure the priest and elders would have been infuriated. First Jesus sets himself up as a king and allows the people to blaspheme by letting them shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” Then he has the nerve to come into the temple area and exert his authority over the practices that they allowed. I am sure that the meanings of the parables were not lost on them either. Who does Jesus think he is? It has become a matter now of not whether, but rather when and how they would get rid of this Jesus.

So put yourself in this story and be very honest with yourself. Where are you? Who are you? Are you one who recognizes Jesus as he truly is? Do you want Him to be something that He is not? Are you doing things that will hurt Him? Or do you see Him as He truly is, the Savior?

Praising the Jesus

Pastor Kathy