The Jesus I Expected

Only a few days before the crucifixion of Jesus, he road into town on a young donkey, upon his arrival the people spread palm branches and their own coats on the path before Him and proclaimed, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!" (Mark 11:1-10; see also Matthew 21, John 12)  The people were elated and they joyously and eagerly welcomed Jesus into their lives as their conquering king. What a sight it would have been as so many families grabbed their coats and shoes and hurried to this impromptu parade, tearing branches from the trunks of nearby trees so they could be a part of laying out the "red carpet" for Jesus.  The hope of their salvation erupted into shouts of praise and celebration; however, their shouts did not remain celebratory. Just a few short days later, the shouts of this community turned from "Hosanna in the highest!" to "Crucify Him!" So, what changed?

God's plan had not changed.  Jesus had not changed. The hope of the people had changed. They were expecting a conquering king, and as, later that week, rumors circulated about Jesus' giving Himself up in the garden, they lost their faith in the man who came in on palms. Where was the roar of His army? Where were the trumpets and the declaration of new political power? He was not at all what they expected. Truthfully, He was not even what they wanted. Nevertheless, even while they rejected Him, He was exactly the Savior and King they needed. His kingdom had come, not to change their circumstances, but to change their lives.  Unfortunately, they missed it. He was right there in front of them, in the rescue process, but because He was not what they expected, they missed Him.  I can relate. Often, my expectations of what it means to follow Jesus are met with a different reality. King Jesus does not always ride in the way we expect, but He is always exactly what we need.

As we approach this Easter weekend, and gather together to celebrate the saving death and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus may we be renewed in our hope and obedience to the king. He may not be what you expected, but His Word is certain and His faithfulness is true. Don't miss it.

The King has come! Hosanna in the highest!