Evening – Day 3
On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.” John 12:12-13
When I have a problem, I usually have an idea what I think should happen, what the answer should be. I believe many people could admit that when they face a situation that they want changed, they think they know what God ought to do. Or at least what they want Him to do and how.
It was the Passover and as was the custom, Jerusalem was full of people who had traveled from all over the nation to celebrate. Passover was the festival of deliverance. The Jews were remembering their salvation from captivity in Egypt and victory over death.
News about Jesus had spread everywhere. News of signs and miracles had traveled far and wide, especially that of Lazarus being raised from the dead. Now word had come that Jesus was riding into Jerusalem and people began to stir. They were in need of a deliverer, the Messiah. Jesus was coming to deliver them from oppression and restore the glory of Israel. He was coming and would right every wrong. He would bring prosperity and freedom. He would be their King. He was the answer. So they went out to prepare the way for Him.
What happens when Jesus comes but doesn’t do what people expected?
Many of these people who praised and welcomed their King at the beginning of the week had changed their tone by the end. They were looking for a King to rule on a throne; but Jesus would be King of those who let Him rule their hearts. They were looking for external deliverance; He was coming for internal deliverance. Many who received Him with joy, when they didn’t get what they thought, became angry and rejected Him.
What do you do when Jesus doesn’t answer your prayer the way you thought He should? Do you get angry? Do you worry? Do you doubt?
Or Do you receive Him as King of your heart and ruler of your life?
