“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” shouted the crowds while welcoming the King of Kings entering Jerusalem on a donkey.
“When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked “Who is this?” Matthew 21:10
Jesus came humbly on a donkey, the symbol of peace, His presence always stirred hearts, from the teeny tiny children up to men in high leadership.
“But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.” Matthew 21:15
“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” John 12:42-43
The crowds were made up of people from all over Israel that came early to Jerusalem for the cleansing ceremony before the Passover.
Although the right words came out of their mouths, they failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Their hope was riding on a donkey right in their midst. Jesus knew their closed eyes, and their hardened hearts couldn’t fully grasp the fact that the Perfect Lamb was carried and prepped for the Passover.
Jesus is aware of their hearts, yet He says: “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” That’s the heart of the King riding the donkey.
Jesus stirs hearts. The Pharisees and teachers of the law stir conflict.
Jesus came in peace. The authorities left indignant, plotting to kill.
Jesus rode in the middle of the day. They arrest Him in the dark of the night.
Jesus wept over Jerusalem, and was willing to die for it. They were willing to kill someone for their own sake. (John 11:48-50)
Jesus lived to serve. They loved to be exalted. (Matthew 23)
Jesus brings salvation and not judgment. Judging others is all they do.
Jesus opens the door of Heaven. They shut it for themselves and for those trying.
Jesus brings life. They try to end it.
How About Us?
The Messiah of Hope arrived on the donkey, ended up on the cross, rose up from the tomb, and now awaits for us in glory. Till that day, we are His ambassadors needing to represent Him well every moment of every day.
His presence stirred hearts.
Is our presence stirring hearts for Jesus or stirring conflict for ourselves?
Who are we imitating more, the Jesus of Hope who came to serve? Or the Pharisees of Condemnation who expected to be served?
How are we doing in our own home? It’s so much easier to impress the outside world, yet let our guard down between the comfort zone walls we call home. It’s easy to find excuses for our family. They’re so loving. They will always understand and let us get away with stuff.
How is my integrity at work? How’s my serving within the church community? How’s my witnessing in my city? How’s my response when facing government office that goes against what I believe? How’s my patience around those hard to love? How’s my speech on a daily basis?
How am I magnifying the Jesus of Hope and not the Pharisees of Condemnation?