HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST

It is Holy Week this week and it's a time of reflection and careful consideration in regards to our daily lives. As I re-read of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, I began to think about a blog Marko wrote called 'The Grace Of Palm Sunday' and a sermon I heard yesterday. My hope is that you will read Marko's blog and read Matthew 12:1-17 and Matthew 27:11-31.
In Marko's blog he talks about how Jesus in spite of the fact He knew the very people who were praising Him now and giving thanks to God saying 'Praise God for the Son of David' would be the very same people who would later condemn Him and let a murder go free.
As I sat in the pew yesterday, I was blown away by a new concept-there were two crowds! In Maroko's blog he talks about one crowd appearing twice-at Jesus' entry and trial.
Since then I've been thinking about how I never thought of it in those terms before: that there were two different crowds. After some reflection I can see it now and you don't have to believe me, it's my two cents...
The crowd who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem were thirsting for God to deliver them which is why they said 'Praise God for the Son of David'-they were hoping for Jesus to throw out the corrupt religious rulers (as He did in the Temple-verse 12-17 of Chapter 21) and the Roman Empire. What I find interesting is that in the scriptures in the old testament, particularly Zechariah 9:9 it does state that He would be have a humble entry as He was riding the donkey. Jesus' ministry was about serving others and that's a major aspect of Christianity-having a 'servants heart' as Jesus did. As a matter of fact He commanded that we did in Mark 12:28-33.
Now, as I understand it the religious leaders were trying to corner Jesus and trick Him into saying something 'foolish' or blasphemous concerning the Law as they knew it. They weren't too happy with the things Jesus did that flew in the face of 'tradition'-like healing on the Sabbath and not doing things the 'proper' way according the 'Jewish custom'.
Once you take into account the various scripture passages provided perhaps you too will have a different view of Jesus' time in Jerusalem. While I'm not saying Marko has it wrong or that anyone else has it wrong...I merely think it's time to consider digging deeper and thinking outside the box when it comes to our current understanding of Jesus and His ministry. Grace is something we take for granted in today's culture and perhaps we can use both lines of thinking for growth as we enter Holy Week with a greater thirst and seek His will for our lives.
May God bless you all...


*Special Note: I apologize to those who have been waiting for a new message/blog from me for a long time. I will do my best this month to crank out more for your hearts to chew on. I thank you for your dedication and thirst for knowledge and truth as it is revealed to you.