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Journey To the Empty Tomb – Sunday
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Matthew 21:8-11
8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? 11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
For many, the days leading up to Easter is full of activity. Some are preparing for family to come into town. Some are coloring eggs and putting together baskets for their children. Some are shopping for an easter dress or suit to wear to church on Sunday. Churches are busy with cantatas, orders of service, special singing and messages to prepare to an influx of visitors.
For Jesus this week was filled with activity too. From the Sunday of His Triumphal Entry to the Sunday of His Resurrection, Jesus was working, ministering, preaching and preparing. Each step was leading Him closer to the arrest, cross, burial, and the empty tomb. For the next 7 days we are going to focus on each day and learn some truths that can change the way we prepare for Easter.
Sunday marks the first day of Passion week as Jesus entered Jerusalem for the final time during his earthly ministry, but this time would be different. This time He would present Himself to the people as the long awaited Son of David – the King. He would ride in on a donkey in fulfillment of Jeremiah 9:9 to the cheers of the people. “Hosanna in the highest” they proclaimed. But this was not the entrance of a conquering king, it was the entrance of a Savior. Jesus was troubled; He new that the fickle voices that yelled “Hosanna” now would change their tune in a just a few days. “Crucify Him” they would say.
We know what is going to happen. He will be arrested, tried, crucified, buried and resurrected. We wonder at their lack of faith as they welcome Him only to turn their backs on Him. He wasn’t what they expected – someone who would cast off the chains of Rome and once again exalt the nation of Israel. He had not come to conquer – He had come to save. And because He did not fit into their idea of what they thought He should be, they turned away.
If I am honest, I know that I am not much different than these people. I was so excited to welcome the King into my life. The day I excepted Christ almost 22 years ago was an exciting time. Reading my bible, praying, going to church, and witnessing to others came as a joy, and not as a struggle. Today, I have a tendency to forget that I have invited the King of the universe to sit on the throne of my heart and return back to life as usual. On this Palm Sunday, I need to renew my commitment to the King who has conquered sin and death and now desires to be glorified in me.
Today as we ReFocus our hearts and minds on Christ, take some time to pray. Ask God to strip away all the pretense, and pomp of our worship and reveal the true condition of our heart. It is my prayer on this Palm Sunday that the Lord renews my spirit and commitment to Him as I cry out “Hosanna in the Highest”.
Take some time and mediate on the passages regarding Christ’s Triumphal Entry. Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, Mark 11:1-11, and John 12:12-50