When I was little, Palm Sunday was sort of a big deal. We cut out construction paper palm leaves and waved them around our Sunday School classes, calling out Hosanna. We were all so excited. Jesus on a donkey, walking into Jerusalem. We were kids. We weren't thinking about what would happen next. (Except for Easter and coloring eggs and green grass and chocolate rabbits.)
Ah, nostalgia.
Seriously, though. In one week, the people went from laying palm fronds and coats in the road for Jesus, calling out Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord--a direct reference to the Messiah--to yelling, "Crucify him" and calling out for the release of a murderer.
I used to wonder how the people could change their minds so quickly, and now I don't even question it. We see it all the time. Two weeks ago Obama had his lowest polls ever, and now he's pretty popular. Next week? Who knows?!
Too often we base our opinions on circumstances or on what other people think.
The people hoped Jesus would solve their problems, heal all the sick, and deliver them from the Romans. Jesus had plans that didn't include any of that, and the people turned on him. The result was the crucifixion.
And the resurrection.
Hope.
We can place our hope in the ways Jesus can make our lives easier.
Or we can place our hope in who Jesus is.
And what he did for us on the cross.
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