Pastor Simone Womersley talked to us on Sunday 17 April 2011 about Palm Sunday.
In Matthew 21, we read about the pilgrimage that people were making towards Jerusalem. Jericho was the origin for Jesus' trip, walking with many others up the dry and dusty road. They passed through Bethany and Bethphage.
Bethany was a place where Jesus found great comfort. He would spend the night in Bethany after visiting Jerusalem during this period of time. So it was a place of refreshing and rest.
Jesus knew why He was headed to Jerusalem. He had a lot of opposition too. Many others saw the unridden colt for what it clearly was - a sign of royalty.
The cloaks laid out for Jesus demonstrated His royalty. We only throw cloaks down for a monarch. It is an uncommon act that is clearly special for a king.
The branches spoke of kingship as well. And they received Him into Jerusalem like a King, much like Maccabeus had been received.
The songs of 'Hosanna' they cried out meant 'Save, we pray'! They had been oppressed and the crowd was seeing Him as the son of David. 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'
By this point, the old guard leaders were furious. They feared a ripple effect and actually wanted Jesus to quieten the crowd. He simply replied that the stones would cry out if the people did not.
Even today, we get told it's not cool to follow Jesus, or cry out in praise of Him.
Will we be strong enough to follow Him even when it's not popular?
The crowd wanted a messiah, but this Messiah would hang from a cross.
The crowd wanted to be rescued from evil oppression, but Jesus would rescue them from evil itself.
Jesus came to meet the people's deepest desires.
He came for the commoners, the rich and the poor.
He came to save the lost, and we are to declare to everyone about Him, even when it is not popular.
From Revelation 7:9, we read about a great multitude that no-one could count, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were carrying palms in their hands, declaring His saving grace.
In eternity, we will praise God and declare His glory.
Just like that first Palm Sunday. Just so, forever.
- Posted using an Apple iPad on behalf of Empower Christian Church, Australia
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