Part 2
“A very great multitude spread their clothes
on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the
road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out,
saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of
the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”-Matthew 21:8-9.
Among
the multitude following Jesus that day were two differing sets of worshippers.
One group had been following Jesus from the very beginning; walking with him
daily. The second group was comprised of those who joined in as the rejoicing
throng passed by in hopes that he was about to deliver them from the oppressive
Romans.
Also
among those surrounding Jesus that day were those that had no idea what was
happening at all. They did not walk with Jesus. They were busy about their own
lives and businesses and did not know that Jesus had come to them “gentle and
riding on a donkey”:
“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.”-Matthew 21:10-11.
Then
we have the religious crowd, who while Jesus was fulfilling scripture just
outside their doors, were busy going through the perpetual motions of temple
worship; oblivious to what was happening around them. They felt secure in their
religion, so much so that they began to abuse it and manipulate it for their
own personal gain. They were not interested in a Messiah or in having their
lifestyles turned upside down, however that is precisely what Jesus came into
the temple to do.
Finally,
among those following Jesus that day were those who would crucify him. You
might be surprised to know that those who made up this crowd were comprised, at
least in part, from each of the above groups.
There
were likely a group of those worshippers, who joined in expecting Jesus, would
deliver them from Roman bondage, when they realized that he would not fulfill
their expectations joined with those who were crying out for his crucifixion.
There were likely business owners and money-changers present who were
disgruntled about how Jesus and his “righteous” standards were creating a
hardship on them and their ability to enjoy life. There were certainly
religious people in the crowd, who refused to believe in him as their Messiah,
King, and Lord. They would never lift a word of praise, but instead shouted for
his crucifixion.
Jesus’
triumphant entry into Jerusalem was to make himself known and he is making
himself known still today. He is looking to establish himself as King of Kings
and Lord of Lords in each of our lives; but how are we receiving him? Are we
receiving him with praise and humility, are we ignoring him, or are we calling
for his crucifixion?
Pastor
Scott Burr
Dayspring
Community Church
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