MATTHEW 21:9

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

TO PONDER

While I'm not usually a fan of reality television, there has been one kind of reality/documentary show that seems to be popping up increasingly on various streaming services. They are shows that document or interview people who have escaped life in various cults. I find the psychology behind these kinds of groups fascinating. What strikes me in almost every interview with a person who has managed to find their way clear of the cult they were in is this; they all share how easy it is to fall prey to the belief systems of those around you. We might call it the 'mob mentality'.

Something similar was happening on that first Palm Sunday as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Most of the Jews in the crowd knew Jesus was a saviour but they didn't;t know what he had actually come to save them from. They had been told for so long that one day a Messiah would come from the line of King David to 'free' God's people and establish an everlasting kingdom. For centuries, that promise had been understood as a military and political saviour who would kick out the Romans and establish an everlasting kingdom of Israel. This is what the crowd wanted, this is what they expected.

Less than a week later, those same crowds had changed their opinion of Jesus because they did not see him doing what they expected. Instead of shouting Hosanna, which means "save us", they were shouting "crucify him". Even his closest friends and followers didn't;t completely understand and those who had promised never to leave Jesus side, found themselves denying they even knew Jesus.

Palm Sunday is a good way to start the journey through Holy Week. It's a chance to stop and reflect on what you expect from Jesus and to reflect on whether your expectations really align with what Jesus told his disciples that he had come to do. Are you letting the Word of God tell you who Jesus is and what he has done or are you listening to the crowds all around you, those who think they have all the answers, but only see the part of the picture they want to see?

PRAYER:Lord Jesus, Thank you that you came to seek and save the lost, of whom I am certainly one. Please help me to keep my eyes, ears and heart open this week as I reflect on the story of your death and resurrection. Help me to see more clearly and completely everything you have done for me through your sacrifice on the cross. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle