Palm Sunday

"Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to  Bethphage and Bethany, at  the Mount of Olives, Jesus  sent  two of his disciples  and said to them,  "Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied,  on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it.    If anyone says to you, "Why are you doing this?" say, "The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately."    And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it.  And some of those standing there said to them, "What are you doing, untying the colt?"  And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go.  And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. (Mark 11:1-7 ESV)

We read this in church this morning, Palm Sunday. As we were reading, a couple thoughts came to my mind. The first was of this little baby colt.

- Isn't it interesting that Jesus rides into Jerusalem (known as the Triumphant Entry) riding on the back of a young, untrained colt? Seems awkward, right? Back in the day, Kings would enter in on a strong steed when they were coming in victoriously after a battle had been won. When they came in on a donkey, it was a sign that they were coming in peace.

Here, Jesus is fulling one of hundreds of prophecies from the Old Testament that He is the Messiah!

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9 ESV)

The name of this event is the other thing that bugs me every year it comes around... TRIUMPHANT Entry?? I've read the story... I know what happens in the coming week... Yes the scriptures follow with the claims of the Jerusalem people... But their shouts are fickle and within the week they will be crying out for His crucifixion!!


"And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!" (Mark 11:8-10 ESV)

In Aramaic, Hosanna means: Rescue us, Help Us, Save Us, or even "Savior" Their claims were not to save their souls, but some believe they were wanting Him to ignite a revolt against the Roman Empire.

Jesus knew their hearts. He quietly and humbly, on his little colt, rode into town hearing each voice, seeing straight through to their sinful hearts, knowing that His blood was going to be shed for each person there. And here is where the next throught came...

I wonder if this colt knew exactly what his place in history was. Now don't make fun... but the Bible says that the sky and the earth, the fields and trees all praise Him. (Psalm 96:11-13) The sea creatures and the oceans, lightening, hail, snow and clouds... Fruit trees, cedars, wild animals, and cattle all praise Him!? (Psalm 148) and if we slack in our job of praise, even the mountains and rocks will take our place!?" (Romans 1:25) ... Then I would say that this colt knew exactly Who he was giving a ride too.

What an interesting perspective: this small colt, carrying his Creator into town for His triumphant entry. Did he know the praises of the people would be in vain? Did He know of the coming tragedies of the cross? What a somber moment I have as I put myself in the colt's place, experiencing the homage of the people and know the outcome of Christ's submission to the cross for them.

My heart cries out with them, "Save us! Rescue us!" but also, today, acknowledging at what price that redemption will come.

King Jesus, I thank You for this day You rode in, claiming Your place as our Messiah. I will never really understand the price You paid for my redemption, but I commit this week to You and the remembrance of what You did for us on the cross. Thank You for riding in on a colt, the sign of peace that You came with and came to give to us. May I not lose sight of my need for You everyday. I lay my coat before You as my King and proclaim Hosanna!

Sincerely,
Jen


I want to welcome you to our church if you don't have a place to come worship Jesus this Good Friday. Come as you are, no need to get fancy and proper - all the info is on the website: http://newcityphx.com/


http://youtu.be/n4suaSR-Gps
Jesus, You are mercy, Jesus, You are justice
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are
You died alone to save me, You rose so You could raise me
You did this all to make me a chosen child of God

Worthy is the Lamb that once was slain
To receive all glory, power and praise
For with Your blood You purchased us for God
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are

Jesus, You are mercy, Jesus, You are justice
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are
You died alone to save me, You rose so You could raise me
You did this all to make me a chosen child of God

Worthy is the Lamb that once was slain
To receive all glory, power and praise
For with Your blood You purchased us for God
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are

Perfect sacrifice crushed by God for us
Bearing in Your hurt all that I deserve
Misjudged from my misdeeds, You suffered silently
The only guiltless man in all of history

How worthy is the Lamb that once was slain
To receive all glory, power and praise?
For with Your blood You purchased us for God
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are
Jesus, You are worthy, that is what You are

Justice and mercy, justice and mercy
Meet at the cross