Palm Sunday Reflection

Historically, this week is the final week of Jesus' life. We start with "Palm Sunday" and walk with him up to the bloody cross on Friday. Here is my reflection on this time of year:

When I see the palm branches this Sunday, I begin to think about what it would’ve been like to be there. An observer- a participant in that scene. I close my eyes and put myself on that street- seeing Jesus coming in on a colt. Where would I have stood? In the crowd, pushing my way to the front? Maybe I would have stood back a little- or run up on a hill to get a better view of the whole scene. Would I have broken off a palm branch from a tree and come sprinting back to place it on the road? Would I have taken off my coat to lay it down? Would I have shouted out “Hosanna!” It seems the only thing I really could do- It is the cry of a people to honor a true King!

But to be there at that scene - I’d have to be at a second one. Now, it is very tense here. People are angry- spiteful. I look around this crowd and notice the same people who were crying out “Hosanna!”, now yelling “Crucify Him!” We had welcomed him a week earlier with palm branches, now we welcome him with flogging and spit. You’d think we’d have chosen Jesus over Barabbas to be released. Certainly, I would have chosen Jesus, right? How could we be sentencing to death the Messiah they'd been praying and waiting for all this time- the Lamb of God . . . . our King?

For me to be in the first crowd, I HAVE to be in the second one. It was every bit my fault Jesus was on that cross as them. Pilate may have given the order, but the hammer was in my hand. They wanted a king- they needed a king. But somehow He didn't meet their expectations- they just couldn’t see Him.

Maybe I’m still there.

Maybe I’m still one of the crowd.

Maybe I'm still waiting for another King.