We are about to celebrate Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter! On Palm Sunday, we celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This event is described in detail in Matthew 21:1-11.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, publically acknowledging that He is indeed the Messiah, great crowds of people welcomed Him as King. Some spread their garments before Him, while others cut branches from the trees to lay before Him. As Jesus rode through the city, people shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David" and "blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord."
The Triumphal Entry is certainly a joy-filled and exciting portion of Scripture. When we celebrate Palm Sunday, it is easy for us to join in the shouts of Hosanna, which means "please save."
However, we would also be wise to remember that while the crowd was yelling "Hosanna" on Palm Sunday, the crowd would be yelling "crucify" just a few days later on the day of the crucifixion. Feelings and emotions can change very quickly, can't they?
The disciples were no doubt proud to be seen with Jesus during the Triumphal Entry into the city, but where were they during the crucifixion? Most had abandoned Jesus.
We need to be very careful that we aren't just following Christ during the good times and forsaking him during the bad times. True faith in Christ means that we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. And even though our faithfulness may sometimes waiver, we can take comfort in the fact that God has promised to never leave or forsake us.
Have a blessed Palm Sunday and Easter!