Mark 11:9
The scripture for today is Mark 11:9
Mark 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.
This entrance into Jerusalem marked the beginning of the last week in the earthly life of Christ. His popularity among the people and the great spectacle that was being played out was too much for His enemies to stand. Those who wanted to kill Him were now motivated more than ever to try to stop the movement that He was inspiring. Jesus, knowing what was but days ahead, showed no fear of those who were His enemies in Jerusalem. He did not quietly slip into the city, He came in boldly, amidst loud proclamations. He was not deterred by thoughts of the suffering that was to come. He rode in to the sounds of rejoicing, knowing that He was fulfilling the will of the Father.
The people completely misunderstood the mission of Christ. They were looking for a king to reclaim the throne of David, drive out the Romans, and make the nation of Israel a strong and powerful nation once again. Jesus came to accomplish much more than they realized. They were focused on themselves; God was focused on the world. Jesus came to set the world free, not from the Romans, but from a much worse bondage, the bondage of Sin. Christ, the Messiah of prophecy, rode into the city and no one understood His mission. Their rejoicing was not for a Savior who would free them from sin, but for a king who would set up an earthly kingdom. Less than a week later a crowd would gather again but this time the crowd would be crying “crucify Him.”
Jesus, knowing all of this, was not focused on either crowd, His motivation was to do the will of the Father. His mission was not to set up an earthly kingdom, but to “destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 Jesus accomplished His mission and because He did we have been set free from the bondage of sin and fear of death. “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD.”
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim