We’ve arrived in Jerusalem with Jesus on his triumphal entry to the magnificent, holy city. The jubilant people were greeting Jesus as he rode in on a donkey. This procession is remembered still today every year by churches around the world as “Palm Sunday,” the start of Holy Week. The crowds responded to Jesus with praise and worship.
Did you wonder why Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, rode a donkey? Wouldn’t a majestic white steed adorned in ornamental garments have been more appropriate? Jesus was never flashy like that. He was a humble, servant king. This entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilled prophecy for those who were familiar. (See Zechariah 9:9)
Jesus did something else that seems odd. He talked to a fig tree. He actually cursed that poor tree for not having any fruit to satisfy his hunger. Jesus should have known it was too early for fruit, so why did he expect it? His impatience seemed so out of character. I wonder what the disciples were thinking. Jesus was tormented by what was coming. He’d been talking about his death, which had to be taking a toll on his emotional state.
Jesus’ anger in the temple, while totally understandable, also seemed unexpected. We sometimes forget that Jesus was 100% human, too. Anger would have easily erupted as the only possible human response when Jesus saw the merchants turning the temple, a place of prayer and reverence, into a marketplace. The hurt would have cut his holiness like a knife. My heart broke for Jesus at what he encountered, angering him so.
This memorable disruption of disbanding these merchants in such a spectacular way caught the attention of the religious leaders. They were not pleased. But was this outburst seriously a reason to kill Jesus? That seems a little over the top. “But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching.” Can you imagine being “afraid” of Jesus?
Jesus wasn’t afraid to expose the darkness. It’s always been his mission to set things right. When the light of Christ shines on our sinfulness, we tend to want to hide or rebel. Why is it so hard for us to admit how we fall short? Our need for a Savior becomes obvious when we are transparent about our sinful desires.
Take time today to lay your sins and struggles at Jesus’ feet. He accepts our repentant hearts and welcomes us into his loving arms.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, seeing your pain and frustration, I realize you also understand my hurts and weaknesses. Forgive me for those sinful things I have done and good things I have left undone. Strengthen me to become the version of me you designed me to be. Help me control my own anger and disappointment in what I see happening around me. Bring your perfect peace and restore my joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
