THE KING IS COMING: THE PROCESSION

 

THE KING IS COMING: THE PROCESSION

Matt. 21:1-11

When we look at verses 8-9 in our text for today, I notice the King’s procession. Have you ever thought about the crowd that had gathered that day to escort Jesus into Jerusalem? Although our text does not tell us, I suspect that there was a variety of people there for a variety of reasons.

Some were there because they were eyewitnesses to the many miracles Jesus had done. He did during His brief time on earth things that no one else could do. He healed the sick, caused the blind to see and the deaf to hear, He cast out demons, brought people who had died back to life, and restored people back to a right relationship with God. Some were even recipients of His miracles. Some perhaps had come in anticipation of their own miracles. John 11:17,18 Some were there to pay Him homage because they were now believers in Him. Mark 8:17-29 Some were probably just curious onlookers. And some were probably straddling the fence, not sure what to believe about the Lord.

I also notice the size of the crowd. In verse 8 we are told that it was a very large crowd. This was no small event. Jesus always drew a crowd because He pointed people to a new life. He gave people hope in a hopeless world.

We notice the activity of the crowd. There seemed to be a unified effort to payt homage to Christ and to sing praises to Him. It is always good to honor the Lord and praise Him. You don’t have to be with a crowd of people to pay homage to the Lord and praise Him. Every day is a good day to worship the Lord and to give Him praise and thanksgiving.

We also notice the desire of the crowd. They sang out, “Hosanna!” (Save now! Set us free!). People were under Roman rule and life was difficult at best. They were looking for someone to rise up and set them free from their oppressive lives. They were expecting their Messiah to be a political figure who would set us His kingdom on earth. Many believed Jesus was the promised Messiah and now was the time to be set free.

Perhaps you too are looking for a deliverer. Perhaps you have been in bondage to your sins for a long time and are tired of it all. Perhaps you have no reason to hope for a better future or life. Perhaps the evil that surrounds you has gotten you down to the point of despair. Perhaps you see no real reason for why you even exist. If so, I would encourage you to look to Jesus. No, He did not come to right the wrongs in the world; He came to right the wrongs in your heart and life. He came to set you free from the burdens you bear. He came to pour His love, mercy, and grace into your soul and give you peace. Let Jesus into your life today; you will be glad you did.