Mark 11: 4-11
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, ‘What are you doing, untying that colt?’ 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ 10 ‘Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Here I am in Jerusalem, getting ready for the traditional Pass-over meal. In comes Jesus on the back of a donkey. His disciples are with him, laying before Him their cloaks and branches of palm trees. I’ve been hearing about this man. This man speaks and teaches like no other. He has healed the sick and raised the dead. He is special. I just know it. There is prophesy that a king would come and free us from Rome. Is this the man that will be our conquering King? I join in with other hailing him, singing shouts of praise and worship him.
It is just days later and the atmosphere has changed. This man did not lead us into a revolt against Rome as I thought. Who does he think he is getting us all riled up as if he was starting a new kingdom? I had high hopes things would change. I am angry because I feel I have been deceived. I join the crowd and cry out “Crucify Him!”
My beliefs and faith is easily shaken when things are not as I think they should be. This is a story of a King who came as a lowly servant on a donkey, not in royal splendor, but poor and humble. He was not bringing us a kingdom that would conquer nations, but hearts and minds. It is a spiritual kingdom. It is at Easter time that I am reminded that Jesus makes a triumphal entry into my heart where he reigns with love in peace.
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