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“The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted. ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.’ When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this? The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matt. 21:6-11 (NIV)
The people came out to see the Master as he rode on two donkeys from Bethpage to Jerusalem. They rejoiced that He chose to come to their town.
Have you ever wondered what caused the people to rejoice the first of the week, turn angry, then ugly as the week wore on? We have been told by Biblical scholars that the people of Israel were looking for a physical king, not a spiritual one. The religious leaders stirred up the people, especially after Jesus cleared the Temple of the money changers.
Have you ever asked yourself, “What did Jesus think of the way he was received? I believe He would have preferred to come into town with as little fanfare as possible. He traveled a great distance on his journey to Jerusalem.
Due to Jesus’ humanity, could He have been fatigued? Might the reception He received at Bethpage have stressed Him out?
Earlier, Jesus had pointed out to a crowd of people they were only interested in receiving food from Him. I wonder what He would have told these people along the road to Jerusalem, had He the chance. What do you think He would say to them?
Jesus knew what was coming...it had been prophesied for centuries prior...and He tried to prepare His disciples, but they just couldn't see the bigger picture of what God was doing at that time...just like the Pharisees...they were looking for a real king to rule them...and they just couldn't understand how this man could be the King of kings and Messiah. But Jesus loved them to the end...and He still loves us today, with all of our doubts and fears and misunderstandings. However, when He comes again, there will be NO DOUBT as to WHO He is and what He is doing! We must prepare our hearts for His soon return! This time it won't be on a lowly donkey...and the trumpets will be heralding His return! People get ready!!
ReplyDeletePam: In John 12:13, the crowd shouted,"Blessed is the King of Israel." The people BELIEVED that Jesus was the king they had awaited for centuries.
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