John 12:12-19
“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!””
For those of us who gather in churches around the world today, Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It is supported with scripture readings from Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. Many consider this event a triumphal moment in the life and ministry of Christ because these passages depict the crowds hailing Jesus as king, waving palm branches, and shouting "Hosanna!". And while this event is highly significant, I would have to ask how are we defining his entry as “triumphant,” because the total mission is not yet complete? Jesus has yet to be seated on his throne.
I can only imagine how awkward my statement sounds in the midst of celebration. I’m sure someone is asking, ‘what do you mean the mission is not complete?’ But it’s true. Even as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey just as the prophecy had predicted, and all the people praised him, and things looked as if if his installation was inevitable, their hopes and aspirations were smashed only days later when Jesus was crucified. The people of his day had to be totally disillusioned and devastated by the series of events that happened only days after. Jesus never made it to the throne. Well, at least not yet.
We have the great fortune of being able to read the account and understanding the implications of his death, burial and resurrection in ways those early followers could never hope to dream. Even his closet disciples didn’t get the revelation until much later. Now we know he is our Savior, Deliverer, Comforter, God and soon coming King. Because we understand resurrection we understand salvation. Because we understand there’s power in the blood, we understand there’s forgiveness, grace, mercy and unfathomable love. And armed with this knowledge in mind, we patiently wait for the appearance of our King. Jesus Christ is King.
But may I ask you this question? Is he Your Lord? Let me explain. In a feudal society, there is a difference in the position of king and lord. While a king has unquestioned authority, power and control from ‘On High’, a lord’s power and authority comes from his subjects loyal and solemn oath. A king is granted obedience because he is sent from God. But a lord is granted obedience because of love and respect. And here’s the big deal. When it’s time for war, the king summons his lords to bring their armed militia to fight for king and country.
Jesus was received by many as their King. They regarded him as son of God and worthy to be King. But when the forces of evil came to attack and destroy him, the people abandoned him because he wasn’t their Lord. No one minded receiving the benefits and blessings from having their own king, but on one was ready to fight and die for their Lord.
If we’ve learned anything about Palm Sunday it’s people will betray you when they can’t manipulate you. Had Jesus called angels from heaven to destroy the Romans and magically catapulted the Jews into a world power, he would never have been crucified. But because he came for reasons other than the crowd expected, they turned on him and called for his death by crucifixion. Even when they had a choice that would have at least save his life, they said they’d rather have a criminal named Barabbas.
In many ways I’m afraid we are the same today. When Jesus is healing and blessing us we are excited to follow him. As long as things are going favorable for us we don’t mind giving him the praise. But how many are prepared to fight to the death to keep the faith? How many are willing to hold on when holding on seems hopeless? Jesus is not simply our King. Jesus is Lord and King!
God Bless.
