16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. 17 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. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has
There will be a day when all the world will be shouting Hosanna in the highest. This event was a foretaste of the entrance of Jesus, when once again He will come into Jerusalem at His second coming.
There was not this celebration in mass when Jesus rose from the dead, but there will be one greater when He returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. All will know His power and ultimate victory.
The parade had more prophetic implications than what anyone would guess. The disciples think back over the event years after it happened and realize what was really happening that day. Palm Sunday is always about the Lordship of Christ. These symbols of Palm Sunday were more significant than just mere coincidence. The praise of fickle men that day was prepared by the Father to glorify the Son.
Most of the Jews missed what was going on and even the disciples didn't fully understand until after Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost. Christ is still rejected today. It is not uncommon for the orthodox Jew today to see their leaders as doing the work of the Lord in establishing a strong nation of Israel, yet today there is still rejection of anything to do with Jesus.
Israel's supreme court had ruled that Messianic Jews were not entitled to automatic Israeli citizenship. The ruling clarified the state's 1950 Law of Return - which grants automatic citizenship to virtually all Jews - by further defining what it means to be a Jews. They said that those who believe in Jesus are in fact, Christians and therefore as members of another faith are ineligible for automatic citizenship, regardless of their nationality or birth race. This attempt did not stand. The Court recognized their right to citizenship.
Israel has perpetuated a long-standing rejection of Jesus by organized Judaism which accepted atheists who make up a good share of Israeli political leadership. It was not only then, but also now, that there is a cost to following Him. Palm Sunday is always an issue of the Lordship of Jesus.
The rejection is also worldwide. People do not like to submit their wills to anyone. Most in the world do so out of force and laws of the land. When Christ presents Himself, it requires the heart to follow. Many wanted Jesus to be what they wanted Him to be and then they would follow. When He did not fit their vision, they would leave. Others saw Him as Lord to be followed whether they understood all that was happening or was going to happen. Many followed once they became aware of His resurrection power. In this event, people did not see the strength of Christ, but rather His humility. His humility was His strength. It was the strength to obey even in the face of opposition. His obedience was a mark of His divinity. Those who believed then and those who believe now see the reason for the celebration.
He is Lord!
Application: May the events of Good Friday move you to worship our Savior either in public or private worship.
Prayer: Father God, help us to see the reason for this season. Thank you for giving your Son, Jesus Christ, for our sins so that we may have eternal life.
Dale
