“O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.”
Psalm 118:25-26
Have you ever watched the live or televised nomination of a presidential candidate? It’s wild. Signs bob up and down in the exhilarated crowd while explosions of confetti and loud music add bursts of expectation—all shouting of hope in a future victory.
The day of Jesus’ triumphal entry may have felt a bit like that. Mark tells us that as Jesus neared Jerusalem, He paused at the town of Bethany, located across the Kidron Valley on the Mount of Olives. It’s here that He sent two disciples ahead to bring Him the colt of a donkey that He would ride, fulfilling the Zechariah 9:9 prophecy.
Now focus on the cheering crowd. Their “Hosanna!” rang out as a call for help. “Save us!” “Please save us!” They expected that their candidate, King Jesus, would unfurl His flag and whip out His sword to free them from Roman rule, leading them into victorious prosperity (cue the confetti!).
Jesus knew that His triumph wouldn’t take place at a crazed rally, but when He was lifted up on a cross. He would save His people, but not the way they expected.
The day of Jesus’ triumphal entry may have felt a bit like that. Mark tells us that as Jesus neared Jerusalem, He paused at the town of Bethany, located across the Kidron Valley on the Mount of Olives. It’s here that He sent two disciples ahead to bring Him the colt of a donkey that He would ride, fulfilling the Zechariah 9:9 prophecy.
Now focus on the cheering crowd. Their “Hosanna!” rang out as a call for help. “Save us!” “Please save us!” They expected that their candidate, King Jesus, would unfurl His flag and whip out His sword to free them from Roman rule, leading them into victorious prosperity (cue the confetti!).
Jesus knew that His triumph wouldn’t take place at a crazed rally, but when He was lifted up on a cross. He would save His people, but not the way they expected.
Scripture Focus
Mark 11:1-11
Insight
Often we are like this crowd, craving success and praising anyone who will give it to us, while forgetting that His cross precedes our crown.
Bible In A Year
- Deuteronomy 25-27
- Psalm 92
- Acts 16
