Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:13
Mark Chapter 15
Yesterday, we read about all those people lining the streets shouting for a king. They lay palm branches at His feet, they cried for Him to save them. Many were no doubt excited by the prospect of their idea of a savior. What were they doing today?
Were they making preparations? Were they talking about Him? Did they discuss the miracles they had heard about? Did they talk about Jarius' daughter (Mark 5:22-43)? Did they talk about the Widow of Nain's son (Luke 7:11-17)? Did they talk about Lazarus (John 11)? If He could save them, why couldn't He save us? He can free us from Rome, He can restore our kingdom!
What would you do if you thought a savior was coming to save you from your worst nightmare? What would you do if someone could save you from your trials and struggles? Whatever you're struggling with today, whatever has you at the end of your rope, whatever has knocked you to your knees and taken your breath away, what would you do if you thought someone could solve your problem? Would you follow Jesus?
It took exactly five days for the people to change their minds and give up. As soon as they realized that Jesus wasn't who they thought He was, they didn't only stop following Him, they screamed for Him to be crucified.
But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.
If you follow Jesus as a good luck charm, if you jump all in to this thing called Christianity because you think Jesus is a genie in a lamp, if you believe that He's your servant who will jump and do everything you want and fulfill your plan and your goals, you are sadly mistaken.
Jesus did solve their problem! Jesus did love the Hosanna Shouters, He did know just what to do. But they didn't see it. They didn't understand. We follow Jesus, Jesus doesn't follow us.
We follow Jesus, Jesus doesn't follow us.
It's pretty bold of us to assume we have a better plan than the omnipresent, omnipotent creator and God of the universe. We know nothing. If we were in the crowd, there's a good chance we would have shouted crucify Him, too.
Are we looking for a president of the United States to be our savior? A new world leader? Are we looking to doctors, drugs, safety, peace, other people, tv, our phones, people in authority, or ourselves and our own strength to be our savior? My friend, there is nothing down that road. The Hosanna Shouters didn't know, but you can know. Some of those people who shouted crucify him, Luke writes about in Acts as being believers and leaders in the church. It is not too late for you.
If you've gone down a rabbit trail looking for things to solve your problems, looking for a savior, turn back. Jesus made a way. He is the only Savior and the only solution. Follow Him.