Who Is This?

Palm/Passion Sunday

Matthew 21:1-11 – As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'" The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." (NIV)

I remember vividly my glimpse of her majesty and the famous hand wave, directed, I am certain, right at me. I recall my excitement, especially as her car slowed down and she gazed at the enormous trees on our front lawn manicured to perfection. Then she smiled, yes, I am certain there was a hint of a smile, a smile for me, and she was gone. Was she what I expected? Maybe, or maybe not quite. A quarter of a century later, it is hard to tell. But what a moment and what a memory!

Today, Palm Sunday, the attraction of the Jerusalem parade is Jesus, sometime king and part-time preacher and full-time troublemaker. One question was on the lips of the entire city, says Matthew, "Who is this?" "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee." (Matthew 21:10-11)

Yes, but Jesus was more, much more. Jesus comes again and again, and he comes to us, not the prophet, but the King of kings and Lord of Lords.

Prayer: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We greet you, King Jesus, and make welcome your presence in our lives. Smile upon us and live with us always. Amen.

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