It was on Palm Sunday that Jesus made his arrival into
Jerusalem. He entered the city amidst loud
voices hailing Him as King. Palm branches and garments were laid in the
street—a customary way to honor royalty. It appeared as if the Son of God had
reached the apex of His ministry and the people were finally being introduced
to their promised deliverer; the one who was to fulfill the dream of every Jew
and free them from Roman oppression. However, illusive dreams have a way of
abruptly disappearing. Just five days
later Jesus is arrested, illegally tried and sentenced to death. And the irony of it all was the same crowd
which days earlier wanted to crown Him, now is crying “crucify Him.” The result being, in their eyes Jesus went
from a hero to a zero. How did this happen? The explanation lies within the
culpable nature of humanity. Although created in God’s image we remain a poor
judge of character, especially when such judgment is rendered through the eyes
of our own selfish whims and desires. To
the casual observer He was no longer able to deliver on their presupposed
visions of grandeur so as a status symbol He became nothing. In disappointment
they failed to realize that God’s plan never involved His being crowned but
crucified. This means the cross was not a mistake but a mandate. This truth was
something Jesus had being trying to convey for months—“If a grain of wheat is
to live it must die; to be great you become small and to be rich you become
poor.” True greatness and eternal popularity is not to be found in the
accolades of human voices and finite characterizations. Rather it is achieved
through obedience. While Pilate, the
priests and the people reduced Him to a mere criminal, He remained cool, calm,
and collected. He knew there was a greater estimation of His character that
trumped them all. Throughout the corridors of eternity He was being hailed not
as a zero but a hero. If you listen carefully you will hear it for yourself,
“This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” It is not the voice of the crowd but the
Creator that matters. Jesus knew this
and so should we. As obedient followers
we will always be underestimated and maligned. However, whether the world is
silent, sarcastic, or sinister remember God is always speaking. In that voice
you might just find that you are listed not as a zero but as one of His
heroes. Imagine that!
No comments:
Post a Comment