I read John 11,
Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:11, and Luke 19:41-44 in this order
In 2022, I stood once again on the Wall surrounding the Old City of Jerusalem, looking across to the Mount of Olives. Once covered in olive groves, its slopes over the past three thousand years have become a vast necropolis, It is the oldest and largest Jewish cemetery in the world.
Two thousand years ago, a small band of men, a little beast, and a growing crowd wound past those large tracts of olive trees as they make their way into Jerusalem. Why did all of those people suddenly decide to glorify Jesus on this day?
Quite simply: Lazarus. The raising of Lazarus from the dead has sent shock waves throughout the region around Bethany. There, a few days earlier, Jesus performed this stunning miracle. And it is the catalyst for the religious authorities to plan His execution.
As masses of people pour into Jerusalem for Passover, word spreads like wildifire. Surely this is the long-awaited deliverer from the hated Roman oppressors.
It is the only time Jesus allows a public demonstration of praise.
I close my eyes and try to picture the bright heat of midday, the growing excitement of Jesus’ companions as they near the city. A great, distant, pulsing noise of voices shouting, shouting. Then He is on the donkey, like an Old Testament judge, passing through a forest of palm branches, that ancient symbol of rejoicing. A wild, ear-splitting, euphoric scene.
He, however, appears meek – indeed, is meek – but not in the powerless sense of that word. Meekness is, after all, controlled strength. It will be on full display the following day.
His destination is the massive, marble steps that lead to the Temple – the glorious Temple. Mark then describes how Jesus dismounts and, rather eerily, just looks around. When He leaves, He is not pleased.
What is Palm Sunday?
- It is the King who knows the heart of man. Many of these same voices will be screaming for His death within the week. Just how clear, I wonder, would I have been about this scene? Celebrating Him as deliverer from Roman oppression? Worshipping Him as Messiah?
- It is the Temple the courtyard – now a marketplace. He knows what He must do the next day. House of Prayer. Do I have a proper view of my place of worship?
- And it is Jerusalem. He pauses that evening on a hill overlooking His beloved, doomed city and weeps. The Roman armies of Titus will encamp one day on that very hill, bringing horrific destruction. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, an obedient heart, O Lord. You and You alone.
O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem. Your King has come.This is the season of soul-searching. What have you found?