Do you like going to a pep rally?
40 Days with Jesus – November 15th – Luke 19:28-40
Have you ever been to a gigantic pep rally? I have. I lived in New Orleans, LA for a year, and during my time there (2009-2010) the New Orleans Saints won their first Super Bowl. The city wanted to celebrate the team’s first championship by having a giant, citywide pep rally and parade. I know what you’re thinking. New Orleans wants to throw a celebratory parade? Crazy, huh? I am not a Saints fan, but I wanted to see what a Super Bowl Championship parade and pep rally looked like. Let’s just say, I was not disappointed. Fans lined the streets of downtown New Orleans for MILES! The people of New Orleans also decorated buildings, streets, and even the trees. From the Garden District to the French Quarter thousands upon thousands of people lined the streets to cheer on their team and congratulate them. The Super Bowl Celebration was one of the most elaborate events I have ever witnessed.
So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When they reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. Luke 19:35-37 (NLT)
When I think about Jesus coming into Jerusalem, I imagine him riding in victory just like the Super Bowl Champs. The people of Jerusalem had filled the streets with decorations (palm branches and clothes), and they were cheering and chanting for Jesus. BUT, unlike NFL superstars, Jesus knows people and He knows how to handle the faux high of supercharged moments. Jesus also knows how to handle life when people believe you are God’s gift to them.
Jesus is pragmatic. Before he even made it into Jerusalem, He told His disciples what was going to happen in the city. He even said in Luke 18:32-33, “He (Jesus) will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him.” Again, Jesus did not let the celebration of His arrival go to his head. He knew what was to come.
Jesus did know that this was a joyous occasion, and He participated in that joy. If he tried to restrain the joy, then “the rocks would have cried out.” Jesus, though, remained humble during this joyous occasion. He rode the biblical symbol for humility—a colt (verse 35). A white horse, ridden in Roman Times for the conquering general, was not what Jesus required. It was a colt that was previously not ridden that “the Lord hath need”. His ride would be unique in the history of mankind.
Most of all, Jesus is sensitive to the moment. In verse 41, Jesus weeps over the city. He knows the peace that is possible but eluding the people. It will be a long journey for them before the Prince of Peace is enthroned for all eternity.
What I’d like to share with you is when you reach a moment in your life when you feel like you have reached the mountaintop and everything in life is working in your favor, ENJOY IT! Jesus did. Remember, though, to ride a colt and not a white stallion. Be realistic to understand that those who yell “Crown Him” today will yell “Stone Him” tomorrow. I mean, Saints fans just a few years ago were calling their team “bums” and “losers,” and now they call them the greatest team to every play in the NFL. Also, understand that this is but one step in a long, sometimes hazardous journey where others may not recognize and may miss who Jesus is—the Savior, the Prince of Peace.
J. Robinett
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