This week David preached on Matthew 21:1-11, the story of Jesus’ “triumphant” entry into Jerusalem just shortly before his trial and crucifixion. The manner of Jesus' entrance is quite extraordinary for the King of Kings with His choosing to ride a small donkey. Of course, this is the fulfillment of prophecy, and the crowd’s reaction is similarly extraordinary (and unfortunate). While the crowd cheers in shouts of affirmation, they unfortunately affirm a misunderstanding of who it is who rides this donkey into Jerusalem. Their cries of “Hosanna to the Son of David!” while ringing with truth, are a far cry from the most important truth about Jesus, that He comes to save them from their own unrighteousness (not from the oppression of Rome). The Jews believed He had come as a political savior rather than a spiritual one, a belief that leads them to destruction in the end. When the question is asked, “Who is this?” their answer again is truthful, yet incomplete. Yes, Jesus is the Son of David, a Prophet of the Lord, but what they fail to give Him is the most important title, that of the Christ. Such a deadly misunderstanding leads them into disappointment when He does not free them from Rome, sending them to attempt to free themselves, and sending Rome to come down upon the Jews with capital force. This is why in Luke 19 we find Jesus weeping after His entrance, because He knows their halfhearted exuberance for Him is the sign of their coming destruction.
We must ask ourselves the same question, “Who is this?” And we cannot underestimate the significance of our answer. Is He a prophet? A savior? A teacher? A friend? Can He be all of these and more? We must think carefully and answer truthfully and completely, for our answer means the difference between life and death.
--C3 Member - Chris Ramos
No comments:
Post a Comment