“…a LARGE CROWD of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. So, the chief priests made plans TO KILL LAZARUS as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were GOING OVER TO JESUS AND BELIEVING IN HIM. 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!” (John 12:9-13)
Were these the noble and honorable people? No! Jesus values people by their souls, not their names and titles of honor.
Compare this crowd to the one in revelation, “I looked, and there before me was a GREAT MULTITUDE THAT NO ONE COULD COUNT…They were wearing white robes and were holding PALM BRANCHES in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels… FELL DOWN ON THEIR FACES before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God FOR EVER AND EVER. Amen!” (Revelation 7:9-12)
Back in Christ’s day, how did Jesus get to this crowd? “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and RIDING ON A DONKEY, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9) So, Jesus said to His disciples, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.'” Those who were sent ahead went and found it…As they were untying the colt, its owners asked, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “THE LORD NEEDS IT.” They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.” (Luke 19:30-35)
What happened to this crowd just 5 days later? “Pilate called together the chief priests, rulers and the people, and said, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined Him in your presence and HAVE FOUND NO BASIS FOR YOUR CHARGES AGAINST HIM. NEITHER HAS HEROD, for he sent Him back to us; as you can see, He has done NOTHING TO DESERVE DEATH (5 days ago they were just proclaiming Him THE KING OF ISRAEL). Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him.” But the whole crowd shouted, “AWAY WITH THIS MAN! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “CRUCIFY HIM! CRUCIFY HIM!” (Luke 23:13-21)
SO, AS WE KNOW JESUS SHED HIS BLOOD FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham