Wednesday’s Word
By Dorette Saunders
Everyone loves a parade.
In the final week of his life, Jesus makes his way into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. He has been telling his disciples repeatedly that he will be arrested and killed. It saddens them each time he speaks of his impending death, and their fear looms large.
But today is different. Jesus rides into the city on a donkey to the cheers of an ecstatic crowd. Walking before and behind him, this motley crowd forms a retinue of sorts. They cut down palm branches and wave them joyfully. They throw their clothes in the path, so he can ride on it. No doubt, Jesus’ disciples are also caught up in this time of adulation.
The people are shouting:
“Hooray for the Son of David!
God bless the one who comes
in the name of the Lord.
Hooray for God
in heaven above!” (Matthew 21:9, CEV)
When they get to Jerusalem the people there share in the excitement and ask:
“Who can this be?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee” (Matthew 21:10,11).
As we approach Holy Week, signifying the death and resurrection of Jesus; as we recall Jesus’ journey to Calvary, the question comes to us even now.
“Who can this be?”
Do we, like the crowd, respond: “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee”?
Or do we acknowledge Jesus as Messiah, the Promised Son of God? Do we see Jesus as Savior, Redeemer, Lord?
Do we rattle off the names and titles given to Jesus, yet have not been personally acquainted with him?
As this scene unfolds, we learn that Jesus is more than a prophet. In fact, in the Old Testament Zechariah prophesies this event would take place, and he testifies to Jesus’ deity (See Zechariah 9:9):
“Announce to the people
of Jerusalem:
‘Your king is coming to you!
He is humble
and rides on a donkey.
He comes on the colt
of a donkey.’ ” (Matthew 21:4, CEV)
“Who can this be?”
This is Jesus! It is he who would humbly wash the feet of his disciples, even the one who would later betray him.
This is Jesus who would forgive the disciple who disowned him.
This is Jesus who, in loving obedience to God, would lay down his life for his friends (and his enemies)…for all of us.
This is Jesus who offers us eternal life through his death and resurrection.
This is Jesus, the Holy One, the Messiah, the Son of God, our soon-coming King!
PRAYER: Lord God, our hearts burst with gratitude when we think of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. As we look toward the cross, despite the shame and suffering, we see mercy and grace, love and forgiveness. We are not deserving of so great a love, but you loved us beyond words and we are grateful. Help us to tell others of your great love and of Christ’s great sacrifice. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
©M©dytations 2023
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