Day 40: Palm Sunday ~ From Blessed to Betrayed
John 12: 12-13:
“’The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!’”
Betrayal by a friend can be a very hurtful experience, especially when it is at the hand of one with whom we have been close, a friend to whom we have poured out our most earnest prayer requests and trusted with our deepest confidences. Once betrayed, it takes a long time to regain what was lost.
Betrayal is human and Jesus knew a lot about human nature and betrayal. As He rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, received as king, thousands rejoiced, shouting, “Blessed is He Who Comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” The week that began with a day of great celebration ended with a day of deep mourning. Within a few days, Jesus was betrayed, arrested and crucified with His followers left confused and in hiding. But, as He entered the city on Palm Sunday, He knew what was ahead and nothing took Him by surprise.
How often have we betrayed Christ, disappointing Him with our attitudes, shallow beliefs, course words, gossip, or insensitivity to the plight of others? How often have we refused to obey, failed to trust, stubbornly taken control of our own lives? One may say our mini betrayals are nothing in comparison to Judas’ betrayal but, any betrayal, big or small is another nail in the hand of Christ. Because Jesus understood human nature and its failings, He wasn’t surprised when Judas betrayed Him and chose to love Him anyway. No matter how much we disappoint Christ, He isn’t surprised or destroyed by our betrayals and He chooses to love us anyway. As He entered the city in triumph, He was fully aware of what was ahead of Him, and loved us anyway, all the way to the Cross.
Lord God, we worship You and praise You for Your Son, Jesus. He came humbly on the back of a donkey rather than a warhorse. He was a servant who was received as king. He came not to conquer a people but to conquer death. Thank you, Lord, for sending Your Son so that we would have peace with You here on earth right now, and then when Your Kingdom comes and is established forever and ever. We pray in the mighty name of King Jesus. Amen.
