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Where in the Crowd Would You Be?
From Mark 11:1-11: When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, "Why are you doing this?' just say this, "The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.' " They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?" They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
Everything falls into place when God's involved. Such was the case with this special entry into Jerusalem. The village ahead of Jesus and His disciples had the colt and people ready for Jesus to use it. Once they had it, they placed their cloaks on it and Jesus sat on it and off they went into the city of Jerusalem. I used to think the "parade" started at the city gates of this mighty city, but it started with the disciples and those who followed Jesus. Steadily this group had grown from 12 to about 125 people who loved and went with Jesus. They were the ones who started the chant, "Hosanna!" which is a Hebrew expression of praise; "Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" They were proclaiming several things at once. One was the fact some considered Jesus anointed and One who did all things in the name of the Lord God. Some were those who believed at long last, the political kingdom of David would be restored in this political Messiah. All seemed to proclaim this event as heavenly.
The shouting and acclaim followed Jesus all the way to the temple. This gospel has Jesus receiving this welcome and then going to rest in Bethany. The entry had been done, and the stage was set for what comes during the rest of the week. This event is special in our lives because it does proclaim Jesus as Messiah. We know now He was not the political savior that some people wanted, and some still expect; He was a spiritual Messiah, the Messiah; He who would die to take away our sins and restore our right relationship with God. What follows during Holy Week blesses and strengthens us and prepares us for the suffering, agony, and death of Jesus, but it also helps us realize in a deeper way, the joy and victory of Resurrection.
I have often wondered where I would have been in the crowd. Would I have been among the 125 who already worshiped Jesus and His teachings? Would I have been among the 125 who sought more amazement and wonder at His miracles and unexplainable healings? Would I have been inside Jerusalem, minding my own business and then followed the crowd as it swelled and started its shouting and praises? The honest answer is that I'm where I am right now, awed by it all, hoping to still be a part of that crowd that grows the crowd of those who truly believe this is the One we have been waiting for; Blessed is He who has come in the name of the Lord!
PRAYER: Loving God, blessed are You and blessed is Your Son, Jesus; but blessed am I for believing in Him. Help me to bless others in bringing them to faith. This I ask in His precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
