This is Jesus

I have always loved the excitement that surrounds Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. I remember waving my palm branch with everything I had as a child. In the church where I grew up, our Associate Pastor "looked" like Jesus (keep in mind that I was no more than 8 years old!) and always rode on a real donkey through our makeshift Jerusalem. We would shout "Hosanna!" as we waved our palm branches at the coming King. I - along with all my little friends - always got caught up in it all. I am pretty sure I thought our Associate Pastor was Jesus for at least part of my childhood!

I imagine the scene at that first Palm Sunday was not unlike the ones I remember so vividly from my childhood. The background was different, as Jerusalem undoubtedly looked and looks nothing like North Little Rock, Arkansas! But the reaction of the people to Jesus' entry wasn't much different than that of the children and adults who gathered each year at my home church to celebrate together.

In Matthew 21:1-11, we see Jesus received as a King as he enters into Jerusalem. He comes riding in like royalty and the people spread their coats ahead of Jesus, waved palm branches, and the crowds were shouting praises at Him.

"Hosanna to the Son of David!"

"Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!"

"Hosanna in the highest!"

Matthew tells us that the "entire city of Jerusalem was stirred as he entered" (v. 10).

"Who is this?" they asked.

"This is Jesus..." the crowds replied.

This is Jesus. That phrase jumps right of the page for me every time I read this passage. A powerful statement made by a crowd of people who knew not what they were saying. Sure, they greeted him with a response fit for a King and all the fanfare that implies. They "understood" that he was King, but they did not really understand what kind of King. They missed it...and we often do, too.

The paradox of the Kingship of Jesus Christ is that he is the humble king. Royalty, yes...but not the kind the people expected. This King was born to die a death not fit for a king. His was to be an everlasting Kingdom, ushered in by the most surprising and shameful of means. Death on a Cross. This first Triumphal Entry is but a prelude to the Passion of Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection accomplishing the unimaginable for the people of Jerusalem and countless generations to come: eternal life.

Yes, this is Jesus. Humble King. Obedient Son. Lord and Savior.

Indeed, "Hosanna!" is what we should cry with the crowds. For this phrase literally means, "God save us!" And this is what He has done for us.

So, as you approach this Palm Sunday, ask God to open your eyes to see this Jesus in a new light. Experience Palm Sunday as one who knows the rest of the story. The story of redemption, restoration, and new life that awaits on the other side of the Passion.
But stay a while at Palm Sunday and let the experience of that first one and this one really register. This is Jesus. Behold, your King and Savior!