Matthew 21:10 “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’ ”
Throughout time people have responded differently to world leaders. This is still true today. Recently our country has been going through the election process of a new president. Many of our citizens are in turmoil as they wonder what will happen at the polls and who will guide our country in the upcoming years.
In preparation for the big day, we have listened to the contentious debates and cringed over the candidates’ responses to the questions and each other. We have sat wide-eyed watching news reports of attempted assassinations and violence as the weeks roll closer to election day. Some people support one candidate. Some people support the other. Still others grapple with the burning question, “Who should I vote for?”
This same type of divided opinion circulated in Jesus’ time. Throughout the gospel of Matthew, the author provides proof that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and King of heaven. A turning point in the narrative occurs in chapter 21 further upholds the claims of Jesus’ identity and moves the story toward its climax.
Unlike leaders of this world, Jesus already knew the outcome of His time on earth because He was orchestrating all events leading up to His intended purpose. He had not come to win an election but to die a criminal’s death to secure salvation from sin. But the people didn’t know this and waffled between opposing and changing opinions. Matthew records three different responses to what some have coined “Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.”
First, we see the disciples. These men had spent many days learning from Jesus and had become convinced that He was the long-awaited Messiah and King of Heaven. As they approached Jerusalem Jesus asked two of them to go to a nearby village to retrieve a donkey and its colt. He gave them detailed instructions about where the donkey would be located and how to respond to any questions if asked. This would be His mode of transportation into the city.
The two men obeyed, doing just as Jesus said, and thereby fulfilled prophecy. “Rejoice greatly, Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zech. 9:9).
The second group of people had been following Jesus throughout his journey from Jericho to Jerusalem. They had watched as He healed the two blind men sitting by the roadside and were caught up in the excitement. These spread their cloaks and cut down branches from trees to line the roads into the city. Running ahead of the procession they heralded His approach shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Later we, unfortunately, become aware that this same group of people turn against Jesus and call for His crucifixion.
The third group found themselves in a quandary. Those in the city observing all the hoopla of this entrance asked, “Who is this?” The response they received from the crowds — “This is Jesus, the Prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” — did not do justice to Jesus’ identity and they were left wondering.
The days ahead would bring even more turmoil to this great city, but God would accomplish His purpose of providing salvation for the world through the death and subsequent resurrection of His Son, the King of Heaven.
Now the question, so much more important than which political candidate to vote for, remains! What is your decision about Jesus?
Do you, like the disciples, believe and obey Him?
Like the crowds, do you follow Him when it is convenient and exciting, but then turn against Him when things get tough?
Or are you still asking the question, “Who is this?”
Consider well. Your response to the Son of God, the King of Heaven, is crucial for your eternal future!
Love,
Mama
Sandra Sheridan is a midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her letters to her children with our readers. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com.
