In some strange way, the people cheering in this passage remind me of our presidential elections. We are absolutely positive who we want to rule…and we have no real idea who they really are.
It seems that Jesus had the admiration of the crowd. We want someone to “stick it” to the Pharisees. Let’s face it, the people knew they were getting ripped off in the Temple. It was about time someone stepped in and did something about it. And from the way they are all cheering “blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” it’s hard to imagine anyone having time to get so upset with him that they would yell “Crucify!”. What changed? Simply this: Jesus didn’t perform to their
expectations. I suspect that they were all about Jesus being their ruler as long as He was multiplying loaves, raising the dead and chastising the Pharisees, those are all signs of strength. But when Jesus was taken captive, bound, beaten and mocked He appeared weak, and the people began to doubt. Maybe they doubted their original decision to follow Him, maybe they doubted that He was who He said He was. Whatever the case, it wasn’t what they expected, so they left.
Too many times that same thing happens in the Church. We want to follow Christ when it matches our calendar and immediate needs. If I’m going through hard times, I want to hear how Jesus loves me and cares about my struggles. But don’t come around telling me that I can’t live with my partner, or have inappropriate thoughts, or stay out late at night drinking, or disobey my parents. That’s not who I want to follow.
Shallow Christians are interested in following a “hands off” Jesus who shows up when asked and does what’s asked of Him. But that’s not who God really is. He has rules and expectations, and should we choose not to follow them, He is able to withdraw His blessings from us. I don’t think He wants to do that, but God isn’t going to bless disobedience.
Bottom line: Jesus came into town humble and gentle, riding on a donkey…but that’s only part of the story. Jesus has all power and authority at His disposal today. The very sound of His name sends demons scurrying for cover, and makes satan gnash his teeth in anger and despair. At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, and every tongue will one day confess that He is Lord of Lords, and Ruler of all. Therefore, His wish should be our command, and His desires should be our thoughts.. To be more like Him should be our goal, and nothing that hinders that should remain in our way. Any activity or habit that even comes close to mediocrity should be tossed aside like a dirty rag, as we pursue the King of Kings.
In His service,
PR