Image from agnusday.org
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, “The Lord needs them.” And he will send them immediately.’ This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey,and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’ (Matthew 27:1-11)
Years ago as I was preparing my message for Palm Sunday, I had attended a concert, which I had called a "big ticket event." I forget who the artist was, but I had the stubs of that event nearby, and I decided I would make a similar ticket for the parade that was the original Palm Sunday and I went to the print store with a letter sized version of it and within a day they made a huge ticket of it. It was big enough to show the entire church what a ticket to see Jesus at His Palm Sunday parade look like. Of course, that was my 20th Century view of that event. Those in attendance were either at the right place at the right time, or just happened to witness this event because they were tending to something else.
We must remember that events all fell into place. God's hand was at work in the preparation before, during, and after the parade. The fulfillment of prophecy took place, and the crowds were swept up in it. Several times in our married life, Nellie and I have been at the right place at the right place during unexpected Christmas night parades. The first was many years ago in Fredericksburg; we had gone to see Christmas lights and boy did we see Christmas lights! On floats, cars, bands, etc. The other was also a Christmas event as we were driving to Houston through Kingsville and we saw a night Christmas parade as well. The blessing was tremendous for us and our family. Imagine the blessing of those who believed in Jesus who witnessed this parade. Imagine the reaction of the disciples. Some among the 12 believed Jesus was more political leader than spiritual Messiah, and so this reception to His entrance into the holy city of Jerusalem gave them hope that instead of death, Jesus would receive the throne to Israel, overthrow the Romans and the people of God would once again. We know better now. And Monday morning we know how the game turned out on Sunday.
But the question still remains, what do we know of Jesus? And what does that do for our spiritual life? Are we being motivated to be someone God wants us to be; or are we like the sheep in the above cartoon just willing to "run alongside the donkey?" I hope you know God wants us to do more, be more, and serve more. Ours is not a faith of static comfort, but of active, faithful service. As we continue our Lenten Journey, reflect on the areas of your life that still need attention and give them the attention to better your walk/run with Jesus.
PRAYER: Loving Father, we thank You again for Jesus and all that He suffered for us. May we seek to be the people You have called us to be, to do the things You have called us to do. We seek to glorify You in all things and we pray that we might be more than spectators or those who run alongside the donkey. We pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
