Monday, March 25, 2013

From a Hero to a Zero


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! 

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