Triumphal Entry – Fickle People
Yesterday was Palm Sunday, a remembrance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem just before he was crucified. It must have been an incredible sight. It’s an event recorded in all four gospels (Matthew 11, Mark 11, Luke 19, John 12)
When you look at the four accounts, you begin to recognize how significant an event it was. We can see prophecy fulfilled, Jesus treated as king, and more.
Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” Matthew 21:8-11
The crowds welcome Jesus as king, a slap in the face to their Roman conquerors. Yet, in less than a week, the crowds will turn on Him. Some of the people present for His entry will be crying out for His death by crucifixion.
Jesus didn’t change in those few short days. The crowd grew disenchanted with Him, and His religious leader enemies wanted to be rid of Him forever.
Even Jesus couldn’t please everyone. People are fickle. Today’s friend may be tomorrow’s enemy. The road from hero to zero can be short.
Yet, we’ve all done it. At some point, we’ve hidden or denied our faith to please others. We kept quiet when we should have spoken up so that others wouldn’t reject us or ridicule us.
It’s something the Bible addresses in a number of places.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10
But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Proverbs 29:25
When confronted by those situation where we might feel like holding back, we can ask the Lord for strength. We might still be rejected or mocked, but in the eternal scheme of things pleasing God is far more important.
The Spirit can give us courage. He can encourage us when we are feeling abandoned by friends.
Jesus knew that pain intimately. He forgives us when we stumble but is glorified when we proclaim Him and act in His name.
We’re unlikely to face death for our faith next week (although that is still a reality in many parts of the world and may come back in our lifetimes).
Let’s lift our brothers and sisters up in prayer that they may have the courage to stand for Jesus. May we all have the ability to stand when tempted to hide our faith.
Be blessed
Kevin
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