Imagine yourself in Jerusalem in the year 30 AD. It’s Passover season which means the streets are crowded with pilgrims. The air is filled with joy and excitement as pilgrims from all over the world have made their way to the Holy City for the Passover celebration. There is singing, dancing and laughter throughout the city. Off in the distance you hear the faint echoes of a shouting mob. The shouts grow louder and louder until you finally spot this strange parade making its way down from the Mount of Olives. But what kind of parade is this? Old clothes. Broken branches. Peasants are shouting about a king? But what kind of king enters triumphantly on a donkey? And how does such a one inspire people to cry, “Save us! Save us now?”
Our Lord entered the city in a precise and calculated manner. His entrance was a statement. Folks had been debating for days about whether he would dare come to Jerusalem, given the climate. It was well known the religious establishment was determined to kill him. So, his entrance begs the question, “Why enter in such a public way? Why such a conspicuous display?” There can only be one answer, His time had come. That time determined by the Father in eternity past. It’s Passover and the Lamb of God must be offered in payment for sin and for the deliverance of His people.
Look carefully at the crowd. Note the presence of impassioned believers. There are those who have heard His teaching and know that no one teaches like this man. Others watched as the eyes of the blind were opened and they’ve seen the lame walk. Many have been in the presence of Lazarus, the once decaying corpse, and they believe this is the Christ! Others are just curious. They have heard the stories and they’re not sure what to believe. Still others are filled with rage and long for the destruction of this trouble-making Galilean. One thing is certain, He cannot be ignored.
Sunday, marks the beginning of Passion Week. We call it Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. I want to encourage you to spend time this week and next reading through the gospel accounts of our Lord’s passion. Read carefully and prayerfully and consider His person and purpose. Who is this man, Jesus of Nazareth and what was He doing that week? What did it mean for Him to give His life? What was accomplished by His dying and rising again? But don’t just read these passages and ponder them in your heart, discuss them with friends and family. Join us for worship Sunday as we gather at Golgotha, then on Good Friday as we again consider the cross and finally on Sunday, April 4 as we celebrate the Resurrection.
I look forward to gathering with you as we consider the glory of the cross, the wonder of our salvation and rejoice together in our future hope!
I’ll see you Sunday,
Rod