From Celebration to Crucifixion
“The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” ~ John 12:12-13 (ESV)
Sometimes I wonder if the crowds that hailed Jesus on the way to Jerusalem “King of Israel” were the same people who shouted “crucify him” just a week later. My theology professor said “maybe or maybe not”. I wish I could have been there when Jesus rode into Jerusalem; celebrating His arrival in the holy city.
But then again, I think that we have a great advantage to the people of Jesus’ day: we know the rest of the story. I think that the crowd celebrating Jesus on the way to Jerusalem believed that He was their savior; just not in the sense of THE Savior, the Messiah (that is my personal opinion as a layman). Their hope was that Jesus would finally get rid off the Romans that occupied their holy city; that He would be their new king reigning here on earth.
Thinking about this whole scenario, I believe that some people who hailed Jesus as king were shouting “crucify him” a week later (again, my personal opinion). Maybe they were disappointed when they realized that He did not take the throne as their ruler. I wonder how I would have felt. Disappointed? Angry? Would I have joined in with the crowd “crucify him”. Like I said before: we know the rest of the story…
Let me share a quote I read last week that kept me thinking…
“In the events of this dark day [Good Friday], with whom do you most identify? …But let me tell you who I identify with. I identify most with the angry mob screaming, “Crucify Him!” That’s who we should all identify with…” ~ C.J. Mahaney ‘Living the Cross Centered Life’
What a powerful statement. I have to agree with C.J. Mahaney. You see, everything that had happened, from celebration to crucifixion was orchestrated by God. Jesus, His one and only Son was the willing vessel. Jesus knew what was coming, but He went through with it anyway…And I am thankful for His amazing grace that was extend to me.
“Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for Your amazing grace. Thank You Jesus for taking the journey to the cross on our behalf. Lord, help us to never forget how hard this journey was for You. You went through with it because of obedience to Your Father; because of your incredible love for us. Hosanna! Blessed indeed are You oh Lord. In Your precious name we pray ~ Amen.”
Sweet sisters – thank you for stopping by today. May the celebration of Holy week draw you closer to Him and a cross-centered life.
Iris, what a timely devotional for this Palm Sunday week. I would like to think I wouldn’t be one who was shouting ‘crucify him’ but I don’t know.
However, I am so thankful for all He endured to pay the price for my sins. And I pray that my response to His free gift of eternal life is to walk in love and grace and to glorify Him in all I do.
Love you,
Debbie
Thank you for this…very thought provoking. What WERE people thinking back then when he came to Jerusalem? then later after his arrest? We can only speculate.
I join you in this precious prayer my sister, love you.
Such a wonderful post and the prayer you added is beautiful..I consider it such a blessing that I’m getting to know you through these bloggish paths The good LORD leads me to,,You’re a real blessing from God to so many..THANKS and Iowa (((HUGS))) Dena
Beautiful post Iris, just what I needed to read at the beginning of this Easter Week. I’m so thankful for His amazing grace and the price He paid for my sins.
First off I LOVE C.J. Mahaney!!! We are fickle and God came to save each and everyone of us. Whether we were yelling crucify or hiding out in our homes, we are rotten sinners in need of a savior…every one of us.
Great post.
Wonderful post…really made me think…