Hail Him
1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately." (Matthew 21:1-3)
Was this the Jesus the disciples had hoped for all along: authoritative, willing to use people and commandeer their property, making a scene at the temple? Finally, at this triumphal entry, would Jesus prove to be just like every other ruler? But wait, the animal Jesus sought and rode in on was not a war horse but a lowly donkey. Those who hailed his arrival were not the elite, but the ordinary people Jesus had taught and healed, and - after making his point in the temple - Jesus healed those who were brought to him. Nevertheless, Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem caused a stir. The people wanted his power and the powers that be wanted his allegiance or his demise.
Jesus was not like any other leader that had come before, or would come after. He was dangerous because he could not be bought or coerced. Neither his allegiance nor his power were for sale to the highest bidder. Jesus understood his purpose and he would not settle for less. This is the Messiah we've needed all along: powerful and passionate, uncompromising yet merciful, self-assured yet humble. May we not only hail and revere Jesus, but also strive to follow him into the danger of faithful service to God -
even when it leads to the cross.
8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" 10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" 11 The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee." (Matthew 21:8-11)
