Palm Sunday crisis

March 30, 2007

By William E. Richardson

“Who delivered us … and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us” (2 Corinthians 1:10, NKJV).

Sunshine. Singing birds. Playful children scampering about. The thrilled whispers of the gathering crowd. Excitement filled the air that spring morning as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The donkey’s hooves clopping on the road became inaudible amid the roar of the crowd’s jubilation.

They shouted, “Hosannah in the highest!” They waved leafy palm branches. It had been too long since anyone entering Jerusalem received such a hero’s welcome. They joyfully identified Jesus that morning as the Old Testament’s promised deliverer. The Messiah. They were right. But they misunderstood the Messiah’s mission.

They looked for a conqueror, a military leader to overthrow the oppressive Romans. The crowd had a clear picture of what they expected. However, their tunnel vision clouded and discolored what they saw that day.

Jesus didn’t gallop into town on a mighty steed; He rode meekly into Jerusalem on a humble donkey. He didn’t enter chanting, “Death to the Romans!” He brandished no weapon. He simply accepted the people’s worship.

The crowd was right but they were wrong. He was their deliverer, but not the one they expected.

The ride into the city ended, bringing a halt to the events the crowd anticipated. Jesus led no revolt. He didn’t seek to remove Pilate from his perch. Instead, He taught in the temple. In a few days, something happened that dissolved all their hopes. Rather than facing off against the Romans, He let soldiers take Him captive.

Of course, the problem wasn’t Jesus. It was the people’s perception of Jesus. He did come to defeat the enemy. Not Pilate or Caesar, but Satan. No doubt, some who praised Jesus on Palm Sunday shouted for His crucifixion on Good Friday. He was, after all, guilty of not fulfilling their preconceived notions.

We too can have a Palm Sunday crisis, and at any time of the year. Jesus doesn’t always fulfill our expectations. He doesn’t strictly follow our script. It’s all too easy to praise Him on Sunday and then doubt Him later in the week.

To prevent the Palm Sunday crises in our lives, we must focus our faith not in our expectations but in God. We must allow room for God’s wisdom (deeper than ours) and His timing (more perfect than ours). We may hold parts of the puzzle in our hands, but God alone sees the finished picture.

You’re right to keep praising Jesus. He is your deliverer. But understand He may not do everything you expect Him to, the very way you expect Him to do it. He will, however, fulfill His mission in your life.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.