Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. It's the story about when Jesus rode a donkey through the city and people laid palm leaves down along the road as a sign of celebration and respect.
John 12:12-19
12The next day a vast crowd of those who had come to the Passover Feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.
13So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him. And as they went, they kept shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is He and praise to Him Who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!
14And Jesus, having found a young donkey, rode upon it, [just] as it is written in the Scriptures,
15Do not fear, O Daughter of Zion! Look! Your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!
My question on this story is what happened a week later? Where were the people celebrating Jesus coming through the city? Were they in the crowd during the shouting at Pilate "crucify him!" ? Did they gather at the cross during his crucifixion? Is it that easy for people to 'turn' the other way, knowing who they are shunning? They knew who Jesus was. He had followers that knew his mission and that loved him. I believe more than just the twelve, but crowds of believers. Did all those people that waved the palms and once celebrated turn away from Jesus because of the social aspects of what was most popular at the time? Did they decide to go with the group or story that had the most publicity? They knew Jesus was innocent and who he was. The didn't stand up for him when he needed them the most. Only his closest friends and family stayed with Him to the very end. They saw the miracle of His risen life and received His blessings because of it. The others, perished.
Dear Heavenly Father, we do celebrate and wave the palms of our heart for coming into our lives. You will never leave us or forsake us in any situation. Help us to always remain true to you as a blessing to others. We don't want anyone to perish because of what we have done, but pray that they might live eternally with you because of the example of your love through us.
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