Lent Day 29: Palms in one hand, clubs in the other

Often we can't see what's in front of our eyes. As prophecy comes to life, no one around Jesus seems to understand what is happening.

We call this Palm Sunday, when Jesus is lauded as he rides a donkey into Jerusalem. When David and his sons were crowned king, they entered the city on donkeys, not horses. Jesus, the son of David and Son of God, likewise enters Jerusalem as God's chosen One, as king and ruler.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting: ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!’

Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written: ‘Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.' (Zech 9:9)

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realise that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.

> Jesus is on the verge of being famous again. The crowds are shouting his name and waving palm branches, amazed at the miracle of raising someone from the dead. The authorities are livid, planning his demise. Later in the week, they will arrest him with clubs and swords in hand. Other people are merely curious about who Jesus really is.

> The response to Jesus is similar today: some believe, some hate him, and others are merely curious.

Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, ‘See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!’

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we would like to see Jesus.’ Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

> Instead of getting trapped in the limelight of celebrity, Jesus remains modest and humble. He never seeks accolades or the praise of others.

> He knows that this is his last week. He knows that he is going to suffer punishment for the sins of the world. He knows there is no resurrection without death.

> How awful the ordeal that lies ahead of Jesus! How wonderful what he will accomplish! He warns those who desire the prize of eternal life that eternal life is not an easy path. Following him will also cost his disciples everything they have. (Most will be martyred for their faith.)

Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me.

‘Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour”? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!’

> Jesus could have skipped the beatings, the spit, the crown of thorns, the tearing out of his beard, and his death. Many of us would take an easier way. We might choose fame. Influence and status. Give soft affirmations to stay popular, instead of speaking the truth.

> But Jesus is settled by his heavenly Father's approval. He takes courage. He will accomplish everything God has sent him to do - for you and for me.

Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

Jesus said, ‘This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

The crowd spoke up, ‘We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain for ever, so how can you say, “The Son of Man must be lifted up”? Who is this “Son of Man”?’

> Jesus has very human emotions: the dread of pain, the acknowledgement of suffering, and an understanding of a great cost to be paid. Instead of seeking reassurance from his family or friends, Jesus steals away from the crowds to spend time in God's presence.

> With little time left, Jesus prioritizes intimacy with his heavenly Father. He needs a heart to heart - a God to Son talk. Indeed, Jesus will need divine stamina and supernatural determination to see this through.

> Do you ever feel so overwhelmed that you just want to get away? When this happens, do you seek God's presence or do you try to find solace elsewhere?

Then Jesus told them, ‘You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.’ 

When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. (John 12:12-36)

> Imagine you are part of the crowd as Jesus entering Jerusalem. Do you welcome him? Do you despise him? Do you watch with mild curiosity?

> What parts of this encounter speak to you?